Islamabad: The Supreme Court of Pakistan granted post-arrest bail to Islamabad-based journalist Sohrab Barkat in a case registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act.
A two-member bench headed by Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and comprising Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb approved bail against surety bonds of Rs200,000. The petition had challenged a January 21 order of the Lahore High Court, which earlier rejected the journalist’s bail plea.
The case was filed by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency over allegations that Barkat spread misinformation about state institutions during an interview. Authorities claimed the content undermined public trust and included derogatory remarks about state functionaries.
During proceedings, the deputy attorney general argued that the offence carried a possible sentence of up to 10 years. However, Justice Afghan noted that bail is granted even in more serious cases, including those involving Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code. He also observed concerns about selective application of the law.
The court clarified that granting bail does not amount to acquittal and that the government is free to continue legal proceedings. It also sought details regarding the stage of the trial.
Barkat’s counsel maintained that no formal charge sheet had been filed and that the trial had not yet commenced. He argued that the journalist could not be held responsible for the views expressed by his interviewee and described the arrest as unlawful.
The journalist remains detained at Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore as the case moves forward.
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