Court grants journalist Sohrab Barkat bail in fourth FIR
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 23 February 2026 | JP Staff Report
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A magistrate granted bail to journalist Sohrab Barkat in FIR No. 343/2025 after the NCCIA presented him, and the defense opposed remand. He has been detained for over 90 days; an IHC appeal on a cancelled earlier bail is set for March 2, 2026.Summary
ISLAMABAD — Journalist Sohrab Barkat, who has been in custody for more than 90 days, was granted bail on Monday in the latest of several cases filed against him under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The decision comes after the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) presented him before a magistrate seeking his remand in FIR No. 343/2025.
Court grants bail after detailed arguments
Barkat’s lawyer, Saad Rasool, said the defense opposed the remand and requested bail, which the magistrate approved after hearing arguments from both sides. This marks a significant development in Barkat’s prolonged detention, as authorities had previously filed multiple FIRs and succeeded in cancelling an earlier bail in another case.
The remaining legal hurdle before the Islamabad High Court
The only case still pending is an appeal at the Islamabad High Court, challenging Judge Majhoka’s order to cancel Barkat’s previous bail. The court has scheduled the hearing for Monday, March 2, 2026, leaving the outcome of that case as the final determinant of his release timeline.
Today, NCCIA presented @SohrabBarkatt before the learned Magistrate in Islamabad, to seek his remand in the new/fourth FIR # 343/2025.
— Saad Rasool (@SaadRasooll) February 23, 2026
We opposed the remand, and sought Sohrab’s bail.
After hearing detailed arguments, the court has granted bail to Sohrab in this case.
Now, the… https://t.co/PwFbxOUE54pic.twitter.com/kjzySIsLAl
Barkat has faced overlapping charges since his arrest, with authorities using new FIRs to extend his custody despite court-ordered bail in earlier cases. Legal experts note that this pattern illustrates how sequential filings can prolong pretrial detention even when courts have ruled in favor of the defendant.
WHY THIS MATTERS: This case underscores the challenges Pakistani journalists face under PECA, highlighting how repeated FIRs and bail cancellations can extend detention despite court interventions. Media organizations and journalists must remain aware of legal strategies that can be employed against press freedom and prepare to navigate overlapping cases and judicial delays.
ATTRIBUTION: Reporting is based on publicly documented updates from journalist Saad Rasool’s verified Twitter account regarding Barkat’s bail and current legal proceedings.
PHOTO: Sohrab Barkat (center) with his lawyer Saad Rasool (left)/via X (@SaadRasooll)
Key Points
- Magistrate granted bail to Sohrab Barkat in FIR No. 343/2025 after hearing defense and prosecution arguments.
- Barkat has been in custody for more than 90 days.
- The NCCIA presented Barkat and sought his remand, which the defense opposed.
- An appeal at the Islamabad High Court challenges the cancellation of an earlier bail; hearing set for March 2, 2026.
- Legal observers say multiple sequential FIRs under PECA have been used to extend pretrial detention.
Key Questions & Answers
Why was Barkat detained?
He was arrested in connection with multiple FIRs filed under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA); authorities cited cybercrime-related allegations.
Which agency presented him to the court?
The National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) presented Barkat before the magistrate and sought his remand.
Has he been granted bail in other cases?
Court-ordered bail had been granted earlier but was cancelled in one case; the Islamabad High Court will hear an appeal on that cancellation on March 2, 2026.
What broader issue does this case highlight?
Rights groups and legal experts note it illustrates how repeated FIRs and bail cancellations can prolong pretrial detention for journalists under PECA.
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