Muzaffarabad: The arrest of young journalist Sohrab Barkat from Rawalakot has triggered widespread outrage across Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir (PAJK), with senior members of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) describing the move as an attack on free expression and fundamental human rights.
Core members Shaukat Nawaz Mir, Khawaja Mehran Advocate, and Umar Nazeer Kashmiri, in separate statements, condemned the arrest, calling it “politically motivated” and “deeply alarming for press freedom in the region.”
‘What exactly is Sohrab’s crime?’ — Shaukat Nawaz Mir
Shaukat Nawaz Mir questioned the very basis of the FIR registered against the journalist, saying the charges fail to establish any wrongdoing.
“The FIR claims Sohrab conducted an interview. An interview reflects the statements of the interviewee, not the interviewer. So what exactly is Sohrab’s crime?” Mir asked.
“Some officials, in an effort to prove their loyalty, are maligning state institutions. International observers are already asking why Sohrab has been targeted when the FIR itself shows nothing.”
Mir further alleged that Barkat was subjected to unnecessary harassment during detention, including being moved between cities and attempts to intimidate those providing him food and support.
“His only ‘crime’ is that he speaks the truth and raises his voice for justice,” he added.
‘Arrested for being a Kashmiri and exposing realities’ — Khawaja Mehran Advocate
Khawaja Mehran Advocate condemned the arrest as discriminatory, claiming Barkat was targeted for highlighting human rights concerns in AJK during the JAAC’s protest calls.
“Sohrab Barkat has been detained simply because he is a Kashmiri who dared to report the truth. At a time when sections of Pakistani media were suppressing coverage of human rights violations, Sohrab ensured the world heard the Kashmiri perspective,” he said.
He warned that if Barkat is not released immediately, the Kashmiri diaspora and JAAC networks abroad will launch coordinated protests on international platforms.
‘People of AJK stand with Sohrab’ — Umar Nazeer Kashmiri
JAAC core member Umar Nazeer Kashmiri issued a direct warning to the Government of Pakistan.
“The people of Azad Kashmir stand firmly with Sohrab Barkat. If he is not released, the next phase of public mobilization will be extremely tough,” he said.
“The government must act before the situation escalates. If the public takes to the streets, the responsibility will lie entirely with those who ordered this arrest.”
Sohrab Barkat, known for his ground reporting and commentary on governance, civil liberties, and human rights issues in AJK, has gained prominence for conveying the Kashmiri narrative at a time when journalists in the region often face pressure. His arrest has revived debates on media freedoms in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and the space for independent journalism.
Human rights activists and civil society groups say the case highlights growing tensions between state institutions and Kashmiri journalists who challenge official narratives.
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