This was his final video before his arrest
in Rawalakot, Kashmir.
Sohrab Barkat, a 31-year-old Kashmiri journalist from Rawalakot (Pakistan-administered Kashmir), works as a correspondent for the online news outlet Siasat.pk and hosts his own YouTube channel. He has faced repeated arrests and legal harassment, primarily under Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), for his reporting on sensitive issues like protests in Kashmir, criticism of state institutions, and interviews with opposition voices.
Background and Initial Arrest (2025)Barkat was first arrested on November 26, 2025, at Islamabad International Airport while heading to a United Nations conference (related to climate events/COP30). The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) detained him, and he was transferred to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Lahore. Authorities filed multiple cases against him:
- Earlier complaints (from 2024–2025) accused him of “hate speech,” “defamation,” “cyberharassment,” and making “derogatory remarks” about state institutions, including in an interview with PTI-affiliated opposition politician Sanam Javed.
- A third FIR (December 5, 2025) added charges of “cyberterrorism” and spreading “false information,” linked to his social media coverage of Kashmir protests and the Nobel Peace Prize nomination of human rights activist Mahrang Baloch.
He remained in pre-trial detention for over 90 days (initially in Kot Lakhpat jail, Lahore), with repeated bail grants followed by cancellations or challenges. His employer faced pressure, leading to the closure of Siasat.pk’s Islamabad office in January 2026. International groups like the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), and Amnesty International raised concerns about the weaponisation of cybercrime laws to silence journalists.
He was eventually granted bail in all cases and released around early March 2026 (Supreme Court and Islamabad High Court interventions played a role in restoring bail).
Latest Update (June 2026): Re-Arrest for Kashmir Reporting
As of June 7, 2026, Sohrab Barkat has been re-arrested by the NCCIA. Reports indicate he was detained for allegedly uploading “misleading and inflammatory content” about Pakistani-administered Kashmir, specifically for day-to-day news coverage of public issues and protests there.
- A Pakistani court has granted the NCCIA a one-day physical remand for further investigation.
- Social media (including the provided X post and related discussions) shows widespread calls for #ReleaseSohrabBarkat, framing his arrest as punishment for journalistic duty rather than any crime.
- Protests and public mobilisation: There are reports and claims of hundreds/thousands of people turning out peacefully in towns and cities across Kashmir (and Pakistan) against perceived government actions targeting journalists and voices highlighting local grievances. Critics describe this as part of a broader pattern of pressure on independent media and dissent in the region.
This re-arrest has renewed concerns about press freedom in Pakistan, with activists and journalists highlighting a cycle of detention under “Asim Law” references (alluding to alleged military-influenced crackdowns). Barkat’s supporters emphasise that covering public issues in Kashmir—such as local protests and grievances—is core journalistic work protected by constitutional rights to expression and information.
Broader Context.Pakistan-administered Kashmir has seen ongoing tensions, with periodic protests over governance, rights, and local issues. Independent journalists like Barkat, who amplify these voices through digital platforms, often face legal and physical risks. Organisations monitoring press freedom note that PECA is frequently used in such cases, leading to prolonged detentions even when bails are granted. Barkat’s case is cited as emblematic of challenges for digital journalists reporting from or on contested regions.
The situation remains fluid. For the absolute latest developments, monitor credible sources like Dawn, CPJ, or Barkat’s own channels (once active). Calls for his release continue across social media, emphasising protection for unarmed journalists and peaceful protesters.
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