Sohrab Barkat’s airport arrest defies court directive

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 27 November 2025 |  JP Staff Report

Journalist Sohrab Barkat was detained at Islamabad Airport despite a High Court order removing his name from the Provisional National Identification List. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of journalists and adherence to legal directives in Pakistan.

Summary

ISLAMABAD — Journalist and YouTuber Sohrab Barkat was detained by the Federal Investigation Agency at Islamabad Airport while traveling to attend a conference, according to reports circulating on social media. The detention occurred despite an earlier Islamabad High Court order directing authorities to remove his name from the Provisional National Identification List as of October 31, 2025.

During contempt proceedings at the Islamabad High Court, the FIA confirmed on November 24, 2025, that Barkat’s name had been removed from the PNIL. However, the confirmation did not result in operational compliance, as Barkat was still stopped and taken into custody at the airport.

Court order contrasts with on-ground enforcement

The apparent disconnect between the court’s written directive and actions taken by airport authorities has raised renewed concerns about procedural adherence within Pakistan’s enforcement agencies. Legal observers noted that while agencies may provide formal assurance to the courts, lapses in implementing those directives continue to surface.

Concerns grow over treatment of journalists

The incident has amplified broader questions about the treatment of journalists in the country. Press freedom advocates frequently point to inconsistent enforcement of legal protections and argue that journalists face hurdles ranging from administrative restrictions to threats of detention. Barkat’s case, highlighted online, contributes to ongoing debates over the state of media rights and the need for more robust institutional safeguards.

PHOTO: Sohrab Barkat (YouTube)

KEY POINTS:

• Sohrab Barkat was detained at Islamabad Airport while attempting to travel.
• Islamabad High Court ordered his name removed from the PNIL on October 31, 2025.
• FIA confirmed the removal during contempt proceedings on November 24, 2025.
• Despite the confirmation, Barkat was still detained at the airport.
• The case raises concerns about rule-of-law gaps and journalist safety.