Journalist Sohrab Barkat has been under detention for 87 days since he was arrested from Islamabad International Airport on 26 November 2025. Authorities have filed “cyber terrorism” and other cases against him under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) for his reporting critical of the State institutions. Despite being granted bail earlier for three cases filed against him, his bail on the third case, registered on 5 December 2025, was cancelled by a sessions court in Islamabad on 11 February 2026. Sohrab’s case is emblematic of how the Pakistani justice system is being weaponized to silence journalists and dissidents by prolonging pre-trial detention through multiple trumped-up cases and denial of due process. Additionally, the digital media outlet that Sohrab worked for, http://Siasat.pk, was forced to close its office in Islamabad on 18 January 2026 due to ongoing pressure from the authorities. Amnesty International reiterates its calls to Pakistani authorities to drop all cases related to Sohrab’s legitimate journalism work and ensure he has an opportunity to challenge the allegations against him in conformity with international human rights law and standards.