Lower court revokes journalist Sohrab Barkat's bail

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 11 February 2026 |  JP Staff Report

Journalist Sohrab Barkat, in custody over 75 days on three FIRs, had one of his granted bails revoked by a lower court judge despite no evidence of misuse or fresh offence. His final bail is pending before the Supreme Court; his lawyers will appeal.

Summary

ISLAMABAD — Journalist Sohrab Barkat’s lawyer, Saad Rasool, described a disturbing turn of events after one of the journalist’s previously granted bails was revoked by a lower court while his final bail application remains pending before the Supreme Court. Barkat, who has been in custody for more than 75 days, had earlier secured bail in two of three separate FIRs filed against him.

Bail revoked by Judge Majhoka

The National Counter Terrorism Investigation Agency moved to cancel one of Barkat’s existing bail in anticipation of a possible Supreme Court approval for his third case. The matter was heard by Judge Majhoka, who revoked the bail, despite the absence of any evidence that Barkat had misused the bail, interfered with the investigation, or committed a new offense.

Background of arrest and legal challenges

Barkat, an Islamabad-based journalist, was arrested in connection with three FIRs related to his reporting. He has remained in custody for over 75 days, with legal proceedings ongoing in multiple courts. His lawyers argue that the revocation of bail by Judge Majhoka contradicts Supreme Court jurisprudence, which allows bail to be cancelled only in exceptional circumstances such as misuse of bail, obstructing prosecution, committing a fresh crime, risk of absconding, or the emergence of new grounds for arrest.

Disturbing turn of events in @SohrabBarkatt’s case.

Sohrab had been arrested in a total of three FIRs. In two of these FIRs, he had been granted bail; whereas, in the third, his bail has been filed in the Supreme Court.

Anticipating that @SohrabBarkatt may be granted bail by… https://t.co/9xxfVlknM2 pic.twitter.com/nx1EqRqevQ

— Saad Rasool (@SaadRasooll) February 11, 2026

Supreme Court hearing pending

Barkat’s bail in the third and final case is now pending before the Supreme Court. Rasool confirmed that they will file an appeal against Judge Majhoka’s bail cancellation order, stressing that the decision violates established legal precedent and threatens procedural fairness. Legal observers say the case highlights challenges journalists face in politically sensitive cases and raises questions about judicial consistency.

WHY THIS MATTERS: For Pakistani journalists and media organizations, the case underscores the importance of vigilance, strategic legal planning, and awareness of legal precedents in politically sensitive reporting.

ATTRIBUTION: Reporting based on statements from Sohrab Barkat’s lawyer, Saad Rasool.

PHOTO: Sohrab Barkat Official (@sohrabbarkat9) | TikTok