Journalist Sohrab Barakat sent on four-day physical remand in NCCIA case

The Lahore District Court (LDC) has approved a four-day physical remand of Journalist Sohrab Barakat to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, in a case registered for remarks made during an interview with Activist Sanam Javaid. 

The case was presented before Judicial Magistrate Muhammad Naeem Wattoo in the LDC. The FIR states that Barakat had interviewed with Sanam Javaid. However, his lawyer has argued that Barakat is not the owner of the channel “Politics Drop PK”—that role is held by a person named Adeel. Barakat merely conducted the interview and did not make any remarks himself; all comments aired were those of Sanam Javed.

Barakat’s lawyer stated that the journalist had planned to travel abroad from November 10-12 to attend a conference. However, he was prevented from boarding his flight by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). Upon approaching the court, the court requested a report from the FIA, which confirmed in the Islamabad court that Barakat was not wanted in any case.

Despite this, Barakat was re-arrested at Islamabad airport the following night. The lawyer noted that the NCCIA had not produced any transit remand for him. The FIR stated that Barakat had interviewed with Sanam Javaidd. The lawyer clarified that Barakat is not the owner of the channel “Politics Drop PK”—that role is held by a person named Adeel. Barakat merely conducted the interview and did not make any remarks himself; all comments aired were those of Sanam Javaid.

Barakat’s lawyer emphasised that neither he nor the channel uploaded the content and that those who made the remarks had already been arrested. The channel that aired the interview continues to operate. The lawyer requested that Barakat be discharged from the case.

During the habeas corpus petition hearing in Islamabad, Barakat stated that they had already obtained remand. The NCCIA investigation officer said remand was required to extract data from Barakat’s mobile and ascertain who runs the channel.

In court proceedings, it was noted that the interview aired at 9pm after being conducted at 9am, and Barakat reasoned it was the editorial board’s responsibility to cut any content. He added that he was a salaried employee and acted under the instructions of his organisation.

The court observed that Barakat had made no remarks himself and that any statements broadcast were made by Sanam Javed. “He has been in your custody since last night?” the court asked the NCCIA investigator.“Why wasn’t he presented in court sooner?”

The investigating officer replied that senior officers needed to be briefed regarding the case and requested the court to grant 10-30 days of remand to allow them to complete the investigation. The court approved a four-day physical remand instead.