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

Authorities must release Barkat and stop pressuring news outlet Siasat, press freedom group says

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Pakistani journalist Sohrab Barkat has been detained for over 60 days on three separate complaints related to his reporting, leading his employer Siasat to shut down its Islamabad office. The Committee to Protect Journalists is calling for Barkat's immediate and unconditional release and for authorities to stop pressuring the news outlet.

Why it matters

This case highlights the shrinking space for independent journalism in Pakistan, as authorities use laws like the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act to silence critical reporting. The closure of Siasat's Islamabad office also demonstrates the broader challenges facing news organizations in the country.

The details

Barkat was detained on November 26 while on his way to a UN conference, facing three complaints under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act for allegedly making "derogatory remarks" and spreading misinformation. Despite securing bail in the first two cases, his third bail application was denied. Just days before, Siasat announced it would close its Islamabad office, linking the decision to Barkat's detention. The news outlet's staff say sources are becoming more reluctant to speak with them and they have received warnings of potential consequences.

  • Barkat was detained on November 26, 2026.
  • On January 18, 2026, Siasat announced it would close its Islamabad office.
  • On January 21, 2026, Barkat was denied bail in the third case against him.

The players

Sohrab Barkat

A Pakistani journalist who has been detained for over 60 days on three separate complaints related to his reporting.

Siasat

The news outlet that employed Barkat, which has announced it will close its Islamabad office due to the journalist's detention.

Saad Rasool

Barkat's lawyer, who said his client was never informed of the first two complaints made against him before his arrest.

Beh Lih Yi

The Asia-Pacific Director of the Committee to Protect Journalists, which is calling for Barkat's release and for authorities to stop pressuring Siasat.

Attaullah Tarar

The Information Minister of Pakistan, who did not respond to CPJ's requests for comment.

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What they’re saying

“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. Pakistani authorities must immediately release Sohrab Barkat, cease putting pressure on Siasat, and stop misusing the law to silence critical reporting.”

— Beh Lih Yi, Asia-Pacific Director, Committee to Protect Journalists (cpj.org)

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the ongoing challenges facing journalists in Pakistan, where authorities are using laws like the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act to silence critical reporting and pressure news outlets. The closure of Siasat's Islamabad office is a worrying sign of the shrinking space for independent media in the country.