Pakistan journalists face legal scrutiny under PECA, NCCIA

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 23 February 2026 |  JP Staff Report

Two cases highlight the scrutiny of cybercrime laws against journalists: Nadir Baloch seeks suspension of repeated NCCIA summonses, which he says lack specific allegations, while Sohrab Barkat's lawyers plan to challenge a fourth FIR amid his detention.

Summary

ISLAMABAD — Two court proceedings likely this week are set to focus attention on the use of cybercrime laws and repeated legal actions against journalists, as petitions involving Nadir Baloch and Sohrab Barkat move through Islamabad’s courts.

In the first case, journalist Nadir Baloch has approached the Islamabad High Court seeking suspension of repeated summonses issued by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency. In a post on X confirming the filing of his writ petition, Baloch said he had been summoned at least three times without being informed of specific allegations or provided copies of complaints, and that one notice required him to appear in Lahore without explanation.

Concerns over repeated summonses

Through Advocate Mian Ali Ashfaq and Barrister Qadir Janjua, Baloch has argued before the court that the repeated notices amount to harassment and violate due process safeguards. His petition asks the court to direct authorities to clarify the nature of any accusations and to suspend further summonses until proper legal requirements are met.

As of publication, no publicly available statement detailing the allegations against Baloch had been issued by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency. The matter is expected to be taken up by the Islamabad High Court in the coming days, according to information shared by his legal team.

Fourth FIR deepens Barkat’s detention

In a separate case, lawyers for journalist Sohrab Barkat are preparing to challenge a fourth First Information Report registered against him, even as his detention has been ongoing for nearly 90 days since his arrest at Islamabad International Airport on November 26, 2025. The latest FIR alleges that Barkat used his X account to record, prepare, transmit, and disseminate “highly obnoxious and intimidating content” against state functionaries and state institutions.

The FIR further states that the posts “rippled the serene fabric of public peace and tranquility,” attempted to create fear and unrest, and “fanned insurgency in the state,” language commonly associated with cases brought under Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act. His lawyer, Saad Rasool, has publicly shared details of the charges and said the latest FIR is being challenged before a magistrate in Islamabad.

Barkat has previously secured bail in three cases under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, including an order from the Supreme Court last week. However, according to his legal team, fresh cases and related legal actions have continued to extend his detention despite those bail orders.

Legal scrutiny intensifies

Together, the two cases place judicial scrutiny on investigative procedures, the issuance of repeated summonses, and the filing of multiple FIRs in digital speech-related cases involving journalists. Court decisions in the coming days may clarify procedural standards and the limits of prosecutorial discretion in cybercrime cases affecting media professionals.

WHY THIS MATTERS: For Pakistani journalists and newsroom leaders, these proceedings could influence how cybercrime laws are applied to digital reporting and commentary. The outcomes may also shape legal strategies, risk assessments, and editorial policies in cases involving online speech and state institutions.

ATTRIBUTION: Based on publicly filed court petitions, prior reporting by JournalismPakistan, details contained in the latest FIR as shared by defense counsel, and statements posted by the journalists and their lawyers on X.

PHOTO: AI-generated; for illustrative purposes only.