Pakistan cannot survive under the tyranny of corrupt rulers who abuse power to serve their own interests while depriving the nation of justice and freedom….. Syed Atiq ul Hassan
Tribune International, Australia, 22 March, by Syed Atiq ul Hassan: The arrest of Farhan Malik is not just a disgraceful act but a direct attack on freedom of speech and the fundamental rights of
Pakistani citizens. Pakistan has become a nation where law and justice function under fraud government backed by military power, where scoundrels and criminals suppress dissent and silence the truth with impunity.
Farhan Malik, through his platform, RAFTAAR, has fearlessly provided knowledge, historical context, and factual insights into Pakistan’s deteriorating political, economic, and judicial landscape. His work has exposed the growing corruption, the erosion of governance, and the outright disregard for the rule of law. However, the ruling regime, fearing intellectuals, patriotic citizens, and independent journalists, has resorted to brutal crackdowns on those who seek to inform and empower the public. The goal is clear: to maintain control by silencing voices that challenge their oppressive rule.
A Nation Held Hostage by Oppressors
Pakistan cannot survive under the tyranny of corrupt rulers who abuse power to serve their own interests while depriving the nation of justice and freedom. Unless the people rise in unity, take to the streets, and demand their fundamental rights, they will remain enslaved by these oppressors. The citizens of Karachi, in particular, must stand up and demand the immediate release of Farhan Malik and the return of all unlawfully confiscated technical resources seized from Raftaar’s office. The voices of truth must not be silenced and justice must prevail.
According to sources from the Raftaar’s team, since Farhan Malik’s arrest by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), no First Information Report (FIR) has been provided to his lawyer, family members, or even journalists. This blatant violation of due process is yet another instance of state-sponsored oppression. The Pakistani authorities have now normalized acts of enforced disappearances, intimidation, and arbitrary detentions. This is nothing short of state terrorism inflicted upon its own citizens.
The Weaponization of Draconian Laws
Farhan Malik has been charged under the recently amended Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), a law passed by a fraudulent parliament to suppress dissent and control the narrative. This act is a direct assault on the fundamental right to free speech, enshrined in Pakistan’s constitution. Human rights organizations, including the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), have joined forces with the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) to demand the immediate repeal of this oppressive legislation. The government must be held accountable for its blatant violations of constitutional rights and international human rights obligations.
A Grave Crisis for Journalism and Human Rights in Pakistan
Pakistan is rapidly descending into a state where journalists, broadcasters, presenters, vloggers, and documentary filmmakers operate under the constant threat of persecution.
The fundamental rights of its citizens are being trampled upon, as enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings continue unchecked. Numerous reputable journalists have been abducted or murdered, with the assassination of investigative journalist Arshad Sharif serving as a chilling example of the dangers faced by media professionals in Pakistan.
The systematic targeting of journalists has forced many to flee the country, seeking refuge in Western nations where they can continue their work without fear of retribution. However, exile is not a choice but a desperate necessity for survival. The suppression of press freedom is a glaring indicator of Pakistan’s descent into authoritarian rule, where those in power manipulate state institutions to crush dissent and maintain their stranglehold over the country.
The International Community Must Intervene
The international community, including world powers and human rights organizations, must take immediate action against these egregious human rights violations in Pakistan. The current regime’s brutal suppression of free speech, media freedom, and political dissent is a direct threat to democracy and human rights. The global community must use its influence to pressure the Pakistani government to end these oppressive measures, release unjustly detained individuals, and restore true democratic values in the country.
The people of Pakistan deserve a government that upholds justice, respects human rights, and protects freedom of speech. The arrest of Farhan Malik is not an isolated case—it is part of a systematic crackdown on dissent. It is time for the world to take notice and stand in solidarity with those fighting for justice, democracy, and fundamental freedoms in Pakistan.
Justice must not be a privilege of the powerful; it must be the right of every citizen. The fight for freedom cannot be silenced. It is time to break the chains of oppression and reclaim the fundamental rights that belong to the people of Pakistan. (The writer, Syed Atiq ul Hassa, is a Sydney-based journalist, analyst, writer and author. He holds the life achievement award 2024 by NSW Government, Australia. His email address is shassan@tribune-intl.com ).
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