The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) have criticized Pakistan for using legal means to prolong the detention of journalist Sohrab Barkat. Barkat, a 31-year-old correspondent for Siasat, was arrested at Islamabad International Airport on his way to a UN conference on November 26. Despite facing multiple FIRs under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, Barkat remains in pre-trial detention.
Siasat recently closed its Islamabad office due to pressure and operational challenges arising from Barkat’s detention. The IFJ has accused Pakistani authorities of misusing the legal system to suppress critical reporting and called for Barkat’s immediate release. While Barkat was granted bail in two cases in December, the Lahore High Court denied his third bail application in January, alleging him as an ‘absconder.’
The PFUJ has demanded Barkat’s release, emphasizing that unjustly arresting journalists undermines press freedom. The Human Rights Council of Pakistan has also expressed concerns over Barkat’s detention, labeling it as arbitrary and raising questions about respect for press freedom and due process in the country. Barkat’s case has sparked worries about the misuse of legal processes to obstruct bail and prolong detention, highlighting issues with the rule of law in Pakistan.
