Pakistan accused of silencing PoJK unrest coverage as journalist Sohraab Barkat faces detention
New York Jun, e 13
Pakistan has come under criticism over press freedom after the arrest of journalist Sohrab Barkat, whose reporting on unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir led to his detention under controversial cybercrime laws. Barkat was arrested at his Islamabad residence on June 5 after publishing reports on his YouTube channel concerning recent protests in the region, as reported by the Committee to Protect Journalists.
According to CPJ, following the arrest, authorities confiscated his mobile phone and car keys before the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) registered a First Information Report (FIR) against him on June 6. The FIR alleges that Barkat violated provisions of Pakistan's Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), which criminalises the dissemination of information deemed "fake" or "false" and carries a prison sentence of up to three years. The case specifically references a June 5 video in which Barkat discussed the political situation in PoJK. Authorities accused him of promoting the narrative of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a grassroots protest movement that has recently come under state scrutiny. A local court subsequently remanded the journalist into custody for three days.
CPJ's Afghanistan-Pakistan Representative Waliullah Rahmani urged authorities to release the journalist immediately, return his seized belongings, and end the use of broad allegations related to misinformation and security laws against media professionals. The arrest comes amid heightened tensions in PoJK. Authorities recently outlawed JAAC under anti-terrorism legislation after the group organised demonstrations against legislative seats reserved for refugees who migrated from India decades ago, as highlighted by CPJ.
The protests triggered widespread unrest, resulting in a security crackdown that reportedly left at least 15 people dead, led to numerous arrests, and caused internet disruptions across the region. Barkat had previously spent nearly 100 days in detention between November 2025 and March 2026 without formal charges, as reported by CPJ.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an Indian, I feel for the people of PoJK. They are being crushed under military rule while the world looks away. This journalist was just trying to tell the truth about protests that killed 15 people. Pakistan's cybercrime laws are just a tool to crush dissent. We need more global pressure on this.
I'm an American who follows South Asian affairs closely. It's alarming how Pakistan uses anti-terror laws against journalists while the real terrorists roam free. This is a clear violation of UN press freedom principles. The international community should condemn this.
Look, I'm all for criticizing Pakistan when they deserve it, but let's not pretend India has a perfect record on press freedom either. The treatment of journalists in both countries leaves much to be desired. That said, detaining someone for 100 days without charges is unacceptable anywhere. We should demand better for all South Asian journalists.
My heart goes out to Sohrab Barkat and his family. Imagine being arrested in your own home, phone and car taken away, just for reporting on protests. And this is the second time he's been detained! The PECA law is a weapon against truth. Stay strong, brother. 🙏
The hypocrisy is staggering. Pakistan claims to support Kashmiris but arrests anyone who speaks about them. This journalist was reporting on refugees from India decades ago - that's the real issue. Pakistan created this refugee problem and now they're cracking down on those who question it. Very telling.
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