Journalist Matiullah Jan released from jail

RAWALPINDI: Senior journalist Matiullah Jan has been released from Adiala Jail after an Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) granted him bail on Saturday against a surety bond of Rs 10,000.

ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra presided over the hearing on his bail petition, during which the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) order supporting the journalist’s bail request was presented.

During the proceedings, his counsel requested immediate consideration of the bail application. The court allowed the prosecution time to prepare its case while expressing concerns over the integrity of journalism and lamenting the increasing sensationalism in media practices.

The judge criticized the inappropriate treatment of some prosecution representatives by media persons, emphasizing the need for mutual respect. Reportedly, journalist Matiullah personally apologized to the court for any misunderstanding arising from these incidents, stating, “I only became aware of the issue today and deeply regret any offense caused.”

Islamabad police arrested Matiullah Jan late Thursday night under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997, anti-narcotics laws, and various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

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According to the FIR, Matiullah Jan allegedly hit a constable present at the checkpoint with his vehicle when told to stop. He is also accused of stealing a government-owned weapon and threatening the policeman. Police claimed that Matiullah was intoxicated and that they recovered crystal meth from his car.

On the other hand, the journalist’s family claimed that Matiullah was abducted from a parking lot at PIMS Hospital on Wednesday night by unidentified individuals, along with fellow journalist Saqib Bashir. While Bashir was released shortly afterward, Matiullah’s whereabouts remained unclear until Margalla police revealed his arrest the following day.

The FIR registered against the senior journalist, along with the treatment meted out to him, was widely condemned by people from various walks of life. Press freedom advocates criticized his treatment as emblematic of the mounting pressures on independent journalism in Pakistan.

This is the second time journalist Matiullah Jan has faced such a situation, with the primary difference being that an FIR was lodged against him this time, and he was taken into police custody. In an earlier episode in July 2020, he was abducted outside a school in the G-6 Sector of Islamabad but was released 12 hours later.