Journalist Matiullah Jan granted bail

ISLAMABAD: Anti-terrorism court in Islamabad on Saturday has granted bail to senior journalist Matiullah Jan on surety bonds worth Rs. 10,000 in a drug-related case.

Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra presided over the hearing, where the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) order supporting Jan’s bail request was presented.

During the proceedings, Jan’s counsel requested immediate consideration of the bail application.

The court allowed the prosecution time to prepare its case. The judge expressed concerns over the integrity of journalism, lamenting the increasing sensationalism in media practices.

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He criticized the inappropriate conduct of some prosecution representatives, highlighting the need for respect toward journalists.

Islamabad police had arrested Matiullah Jan late Thursday night at the I-9 checkpoint under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997, anti-narcotics laws, and various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

According to the FIR, Matiullah Jan hit a constable present at the checkpost by his vehicle when he was told to stop, Matiullah is also accused of stealing a government-owned weapon and threatening the policeman. According to the police, Matiullah was intoxicated and they recovered crystal meth from his car.