Hamid Mir links Sohrab Barkat's arrest to broader pressures on Pakistani media

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 5 days ago |  JP Staff Report

Hamid Mir addresses criticism of his journalism philosophy and highlights the arrest of young journalist Sohrab Barkat, attributing concerns to broader pressures on Pakistan’s media landscape.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—Journalist Hamid Mir has defended his long-standing position on press freedom after renewed debate over his support for detained journalist Sohrab Barkat, saying his views are rooted in objective journalism rather than political alignment. Mir made the remarks in a column in Daily Jang, titled 'Out of Fashion Journalism' in which he responded to criticism from peers and readers who questioned why he speaks up even for journalists or political workers who have previously targeted him.

Mir wrote that, in his view, journalists and political groups are often pitted against each other and that he refuses to align with any tactic that undermines press freedom. He added that some critics accuse him of following an outdated journalistic tradition, but he maintains that journalists cannot be neutral between truth and falsehood.

Debate on book chapter sparks discussion

Mir said that two days before Barkat’s arrest, a private university in Islamabad held an academic debate on a chapter of his book “Roodad-e-Sitm.” He wrote that students examined his record and criticisms against him, including accusations that he routinely supports opposition parties and criticizes every government. According to Mir, some students argued that he displayed “moral bankruptcy” by supporting the release of journalists who once opposed him, while others defended his commitment to condemning injustices regardless of personal history.

Mir added that parts of the debate included calls to ban the book, which he said the audience rejected. He described the event as an academic exercise and did not provide additional details about participants or the institution.

Mir highlights the arrest of young journalist

The following day, Mir wrote, he learned of the arrest of young journalist Sohrab Barkat at Islamabad Airport. Citing publicly known background details, Mir stated that Barkat had been working with digital and television platforms, studying climate change, and had been invited by the United Nations to a climate conference in Brazil.

Based on court filings, Mir noted that Barkat had petitioned the Islamabad High Court for permission to travel after being stopped from leaving the country. The court allowed his travel on November 24 after the Federal Investigation Agency stated that Barkat was not wanted in any case. Mir said Barkat was arrested that same night at the airport, which he described as a violation of the court’s order. Independently verifiable details of the arrest have not been publicly disclosed beyond Mir’s account.

Criticism of Mir’s stance resurfaces

Mir wrote that his comments on X, calling the arrest contempt of court, prompted criticism from individuals on social media who accused him of defending a political worker rather than a journalist. He attributed these attacks to people he claimed used journalism for political appointments. Mir stated that Barkat had faced criticism because of alleged links with a political party and his support for protests in Azad Kashmir, though these claims cannot be independently verified.

Mir further argued that past accusations against him by political figures have been driven by external forces and noted that political shifts often lead to similar rhetoric being used by successive governments. He maintained that such patterns demonstrate institutional pressures on journalists rather than ideological differences.

Concerns over press freedom and legal orders

Mir concluded that freezing bank accounts, arresting young reporters, and disregarding court directions signal weaknesses in governance and institutions. He wrote that he believes journalists must oppose actions that undermine due process, regardless of political affiliations. According to Mir, while personal rivals can be forgiven, those who harm journalism under the guise of friendship should be held accountable in the court of public opinion.

KEY POINTS:

• Hamid Mir defends his stance on objective journalism and press freedom
• A university debate on his book addressed criticism of his professional conduct
• Mir attributes details of Sohrab Barkat’s arrest to court filings and his own account
• Mir says criticism of his support for Barkat reflects broader pressures on journalists
• Column highlights concerns over compliance with court orders and media restrictions

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