The Supreme Court of Pakistan granted on Wednesday post-arrest bail to journalist Sohrab Barkat in a case registered under the country’s contentious Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
The bail was approved against surety bonds of PKR 200,000. A two-member bench comprising Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb heard the petition.
According to court proceedings, Barkat is currently lodged in Kot Lakhpat Jail on judicial remand. The case against him was registered under provisions of the PECA law, which governs electronic and cybercrimes in Pakistan.
During the hearing, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan observed, “We have granted bail even in Section 302 cases. This offence does not carry the death penalty.” He also questioned the broader context of digital media regulation, asking how many YouTube channels are operating in Pakistan.
The judge remarked that Barkat had not made objectionable remarks during the interview in question, stating, “The person who actually spoke is not before us.” He further observed that action under the PECA law appeared to be focused on a particular institution, while no action had been taken over statements made against judges in the past.
In another remark during the proceedings, Justice Afghan said, “Had the RTS not collapsed in 2018, we might not have been facing fifth-generation warfare today,” linking past political developments to the current environment.
Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb also made remarks, referring to the role of a central accused in the case.
Justice Afghan clarified that granting bail did not amount to acquittal. “We are not acquitting Sohrab Barkat; you may secure a conviction after trial,” he said.
The court inquired about the status of the trial. Barrister Saad Rasool, counsel for Barkat, told the bench that the challan had been submitted but the defense had not been given access to it. He said no formal charges had been framed and the regular trial had not commenced.
The court also questioned a Federal Investigation Agency investigation officer about the status of the probe against the central accused, Sanam Javed. The officer said her investigation had been completed and a supplementary challan had been submitted.
Justice Afghan noted that Barkat had been under arrest and on judicial remand since November 2025 and questioned the need for further investigation at this stage.
Raja Aleem Abbasi, counsel for the Federal Investigation Agency, sought time until the next day, saying he had recently received the case file and needed to review it.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the Supreme Court approved bail for Barkat against surety bonds of PKR 200,000.
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