Supreme Court grants post-arrest bail to Journalist Sohrab Barkat

Sohrab Barkat has been facing charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016

ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-Feb 18^th, 2026) The Supreme Court of Pakistan has granted post-arrest bail to journalist Sohrab Barkat, ordering his release upon furnishing sureties of PKR 200,000.

ASC two-member bench comprising Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb heard the case.

Sohrab Barkat has been facing charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016.

During proceedings, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan remarked that the court has previously granted bail in cases under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries heavier penalties. He questioned why the journalist should remain in custody when the death penalty is not applicable in this case.

The bench also inquired about the number of active YouTube channels in Pakistan and observed that Barkat himself had not made any controversial statements during his interview, while the individual responsible for any contentious remarks was not present in court.

Barkat’s lawyer, Barrister Saad Rasool, stated that the main accused in the case is Sanam Javed, but she has not yet been included in the investigation. He added that although the challan has been submitted, the defense has not been given access to it, no formal charge has been framed, and the trial has not yet commenced.

When asked, an FIA investigating officer confirmed that Sanam Javed’s investigation has been completed and a supplementary challan has been submitted. Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan remarked that if the accused has been in judicial custody since November 2025, further investigation should no longer be necessary.

FIA counsel Raja Aleem Abbasi requested time until the following day to review the file and assist the court.

At the conclusion of the hearing, the Supreme Court approved Sohrab Barkat’s bail, ordering his release against sureties of PKR 200,000.