Hyderabad-origin activist Zahack Tanvir has been released from custody in Saudi Arabia after nearly a year of detention. Zahack, known for his views on international affairs and counter-extremism, was arrested in December 2023 on charges of posting anti-Pakistan content. His release in December 2024 came after diplomatic efforts by the Indian government. He has since relocated to the United States.
Zahack confirmed his release on social media on February 3, expressing gratitude to the Indian Embassy for their support during his imprisonment. He also shared his frustration over his ordeal, thanking Indian officials who frequently visited him in jail. He said, "The Indian Embassy stood firmly by my side and ensured my safety and release." Zahack’s family hired a top law firm led by a former Supreme Court judge to assist with his case.
According to Zahack, his troubles began on October 9, 2023, when he received an email from social media platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), informing him that Pakistan’s telecom authority had filed a legal complaint demanding that his account be shut down. "The premium intelligence agency from India’s adversary nation accused me of publicly exposing their fragile political system," he said, without offering further details.
When X refused to take down his account, citing their commitment to freedom of expression, Pakistan escalated the matter to Saudi authorities. Although Saudi officials initially did not act, they later summoned him, citing a treaty with Pakistan that required them to respond to such complaints. Zahack said that during his year-long detention, he was treated with respect by Saudi authorities.
Zahack Tanvir was born in Hyderabad and graduated with a degree in engineering from Osmania University before moving to the UK for further studies. Before his arrest, he had been living in Saudi Arabia for 13 years. He is the founder and director of the UK-based Milli Chronicle media outlet, which focuses on counter-extremism and current affairs.
Zahack identifies himself as an “anti-Islamist” traditional Muslim and has been a critic of extremist ideologies. He is also a vocal supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has contributed columns to Indian newspapers, including how Modi’s critics defamed India during the G20 summit and his belief that the 2023 BBC documentary on Modi was a "hit job" aimed at discrediting India’s rising global profile.