On January 18, digital media platform Siasat.pk closed its Islamabad office after eight years of operations, with the decision announced in a video posted by the platform. The platform said it will continue publishing news despite ending its physical presence in the capital.

In the video, presenter Waqar Bagga appeared inside the office as staff dismantled furniture and equipment. He said the newsroom had functioned as the organisation’s base for covering political and economic developments during periods of national uncertainty.

Bagga said the closure followed circumstances that made continued operations from the Islamabad location untenable. He linked the development to the detention of his colleague, journalist Sohrab Barkat, who he said has been held for 52 days. According to Bagga, Barkat faced allegations relating to interviews and commentary on issues including Kashmir and Balochistan, as well as criticism of the government.

He stated that Barkat has been granted bail in two cases, while a third case remains before the Lahore High Court. Bagga said Barkat had not been released despite the bail orders and referred to delays in court hearings. He said he expected the matter to proceed through the judicial system.

In the video, Bagga described Barkat’s reporting and commentary as activities he viewed as within the rights of citizens and journalists. He said Siasat.pk had followed journalistic ethics and that criticism of those in authority should not be treated as a criminal matter.

Bagga said the organisation planned to continue its reporting activities and pursue efforts for Barkat’s release, despite the closure of the Islamabad office. He also claimed that the case had drawn attention from organisations including Amnesty International, the European Union, the United Nations, and Reporters Without Borders.

Information in this report is based on a publicly available video statement posted on X by Siasat.pk presenter Waqar Bagga and his description of ongoing legal proceedings.