Siasat.pk shuts Islamabad office as pressure mounts

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 18 January 2026 |  JP Staff Report

Siasat.pk shut its Islamabad office after eight years, posting a farewell video in which Waqar Bagga said mounting pressure made operations impossible. The closure followed the detention of journalist Sohrab Barkat amid multiple legal cases.

Summary

ISLAMABAD — Siasat.pk, a digital media platform known for its discussion forums, news blogs, and interview-based content, has closed its Islamabad office after operating there for eight years. The closure was announced through a video posted on X, marking a symbolic end to the newsroom’s physical presence in the capital.

In the video titled Last Video, presenter Waqar Bagga appeared seated inside the office as furniture and equipment were being dismantled behind him. He said the office had been established eight years ago and had served as the base from which the team reported on Pakistan’s political and economic developments during periods of national uncertainty.

Pressure behind the closure

Bagga, who said he was associated with Siasat.pk for three years, described the decision to vacate the office as deeply painful. He stated that the team continued reporting regardless of circumstances, but said conditions had been created that made it impossible for the organization to continue operating from the Islamabad location.

According to Bagga, the immediate backdrop to the closure is the continued detention of his colleague, journalist Sohrab Barkat, who he said has been in custody for 52 days. Barkat is accused, according to Bagga, of conducting interviews and speaking on issues including Kashmir and Balochistan, as well as criticizing the government.

Detention and legal proceedings

Bagga said Barkat has been granted bail in two cases, while a third matter remains pending before the Lahore High Court. He added that despite the bail orders, Barkat remains in custody, and alleged delays in court hearings have compounded the situation. He expressed hope that relief would ultimately come through the judicial system.

In the video, Bagga characterized Barkat’s reporting and commentary as falling within the rights of citizens and journalists. He said Siasat.pk had adhered to journalistic ethics and argued that criticism of those in power should not be treated as a criminal act.

Plans and claims of international attention

While announcing the office closure, Bagga said Siasat.pk intends to continue reporting daily news and pursue what he described as more impactful reporting, though not from the Islamabad office. He also said the organization would make efforts to secure Barkat’s release and potentially re-establish operations.

Bagga further claimed that Barkat’s case has drawn international attention, naming organizations such as Amnesty International, the European Union, the United Nations, and Reporters Without Borders. These remarks were presented as his assertion in the video, while he maintained that he continues to expect justice from Pakistan’s courts.

ATTRIBUTION: Information in this report is based on a publicly available video statement posted on X by Siasat.pk presenter Waqar Bagga and his description of ongoing legal proceedings.

PHOTO: AI-generated; for illustrative purposes only

KEY POINTS:

• Siasat.pk closed its Islamabad office after eight years, announced in a farewell video.
• Presenter Waqar Bagga said mounting pressure made it impossible to continue operating from the capital.
• The closure came amid the prolonged detention of journalist Sohrab Barkat, who had been held for 52 days.
• Bagga said Barkat faces multiple cases; bail was granted in two matters, while a third is pending before the Lahore High Court.
• The move marks the end of the newsroom's physical presence in Islamabad.