IHC restores journalist Sohrab Barkat’s bail in cybercrime case
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday restored the bail of journalist Sohrab Barkat in the last remaining case registered against him by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), setting aside a trial court’s order that had cancelled his post-arrest bail.
Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir heard the petition filed by Barkat challenging the trial court’s decision to revoke his bail.
After hearing arguments, the IHC nullified the impugned order and directed the authorities to release the journalist forthwith, if he is not required in any other case.
Barrister Saad Rasool appeared on Mr Barkat’s behalf, contending that the trial court had erred in cancelling the bail despite compliance with all conditions previously imposed.
Allowing the petition, the high court observed that the order of the trial court could not be sustained and restored Mr Barkat’s bail, effectively clearing the way for his release.
The case against Mr Barkat was registered over accusations of spreading misinformation about state institutions during an interview he conducted.
Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2026