A district and sessions court in Karachi granted bail to journalist Farhan Mallick on Monday in a case filed under Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
District Judge (East) Dr Chaudhry Wasim Iqbal ruled in favour of Mallick after his counsel, Moez Jafri, argued that the prosecution lacked solid evidence despite ample time since the case’s filing. “It’s baseless screenshots don’t cut it as proof,” Jafri told the court, securing Mallick’s release on Rs100,000 surety bonds.
Read: Karachi Court Jails Journalist Farhan Mallick for Anti-State Content
Mallick faced charges under PECA, alongside vague allegations tied to running, though details remain murky. Legal expert Ayesha Khan, a Karachi-based attorney with over a decade in cyber law, noted, “PECA cases often hinge on digital evidence strength here; the court saw gaps.” The decision, rooted in judicial review and reported by credible local outlets, marks a win for Mallick amid scrutiny of Pakistan’s cybercrime framework. His next steps remain unclear, but the ruling pushes for evidentiary rigour.
Backed by seasoned counsel and a judge’s careful deliberation, Mallick’s bail reflects a stand against shaky claims. As a trusted voice in journalism, his case underscores the need for clarity in PECA enforcement, offering relief and a precedent.
