Siasat.pk closes Islamabad office

Islamabad: Digital media platform Siasat.pk has closed its Islamabad office after eight years of operation. The announcement was made through a video shared on X, showing the newsroom being dismantled as the presenter addressed viewers.

In the video, Siasat.pk representative Waqar Bagga said the office had served as a base for reporting on political and economic developments over the years. He described the decision to vacate the premises as difficult, adding that circumstances had emerged which made continued operations from the Islamabad office challenging.

Bagga linked the decision to the ongoing detention of colleague and journalist Sohrab Barkat, who he said has been in custody for several weeks. He stated that Barkat has received bail in two cases, while a third matter remains under consideration by the Lahore High Court.

According to Bagga, despite bail orders, Barkat has not yet been released, and delays in legal proceedings have added to the uncertainty. He expressed hope that the matter would be resolved through the judicial process.

Bagga said Siasat.pk intends to continue its news and current affairs work despite the office closure and will pursue efforts for Barkat’s release. He also stated that the case has drawn attention from international rights and media organizations.