A court in Karachi's East District on Monday granted bail to journalist Farhan Mallick in connection with a case involving anti-state content.

Farhan Mallick - the founder of the digital media platform Raftar - was arrested by the FIA Cyber Crime Wing on March 20.

The court approved his bail against a bond of Rs 100,000. The case, which has been under investigation for the past three months, accuses Mallick of uploading content that allegedly targets the state and its institutions.

The charges are based on provisions of the Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), specifically related to his YouTube channel.

Background of the case

Mallick's legal troubles began with an FIR filed by the FIA on March 20, following a report regarding the anti-state content aired on his YouTube channel, Raftar TV.

The charges include violations under Sections 16 (unauthorized use of identity information), 20 (offenses against the dignity of an individual), 500 (punishment for defamation), and 109 (abetment) of the Pakistan Penal Code, as well as Section 26A of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). Section 26A, a recent amendment, criminalizes the dissemination of “fake news” that may cause public panic or unrest.

On March 26, Mallick was handed over to the FIA on a five-day physical remand in a separate case involving fraud through an alleged call center. His initial bail application was rejected by the Judicial Magistrate East, prompting his lawyer to file an appeal with the District and Sessions Judge East. The district court had previously issued notices to the FIA regarding Mallick’s bail plea.

Mallick’s case has raised concerns over the broader implications for press freedom in Pakistan, particularly with the criminalization of online content deemed as "fake news."

Under Section 26A of the PECA, anyone found guilty of spreading false information could face up to three years in prison, a fine of up to Rs 2 million, or both.