Pakistani journalist Sohrab Barkat detained for more than 60 days as employer shuts Islamabad office

New York, February 5, 2026—Pakistani authorities must immediately and unconditionally release journalist Sohrab Barkat and ensure that his employer Siasat can continue to report the news freely, the Committee to Protect Journalist said on Thursday.

Barkat was detained on November 26 on his way to attend a United Nations conference and is facing three separate complaints related to his reporting under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016.

On January 21, Barkat was denied bail in the third case registered against him, extending his period of detention without charge to more than two months, according to an X post by the journalist’s lawyer, Saad Rasool, and a copy of the ruling reviewed by CPJ.

Just days earlier, on January 18, his employer Siasat announced it would close its Islamabad office, linking the decision to Barkat’s detention.

“Sohrab Barkat’s prolonged detention is arbitrary and unjustified, and the closure of news outlet Siasat’s Islamabad office highlights the shrinking space for independent reporting in Pakistan,” said CPJ’s Asia-Pacific Director Beh Lih Yi. “Pakistani authorities must immediately release Sohrab Barkat, cease putting pressure on Siasat, and stop misusing the law to silence critical reporting.”

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) first registered a complaint against Barkat on August 5, alleging he had made “derogatory remarks” and spread misinformation about state institutions. Two additional complaints were made against him for similar offenses on August 26 and December 5.

Although he secured bail in the first two cases, the Lahore High Court denied his third application because it considered him an “absconder,” said Rasool, adding his client was never informed of the first two complaints made against him before his arrest.

Barkat’s prolonged detention has made it increasingly difficult to maintain a physical newsroom for Siasat, according to a journalist at the news outlet who spoke to CPJ on condition of anonymity, citing fear of reprisals.

A limited number of employees continue to operate remotely, but the journalist said sources are becoming more reluctant to speak with the organization. Staff have also received warnings that they may face consequences like Barkat if they continue their work, the journalist said.  

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and NCCIA director Syed Khurram Ali did not respond to CPJ’s text messages and emails seeking a response.