Senior journalist Matiullah Jan was remanded to two days of police custody on Thursday after being arrested in a controversial case involving terrorism and narcotics charges, which many view as a politically motivated attempt to silence him. Jan’s arrest followed his coverage of protests in Islamabad, with his son alleging that he was abducted by unidentified individuals on Wednesday night. Initially, authorities had denied his detention, only to confirm the filing of an FIR the following day.
The case against Jan, filed by the Margalla Police, included severe accusations, such as possession of narcotics and involvement in violent incidents during a protest. However, the charges were met with widespread skepticism, with critics calling them baseless and an attempt to intimidate journalists. Asad Toor, a fellow journalist, reported that after meeting Jan briefly at the police station, he was mysteriously taken elsewhere, leaving his whereabouts unknown for a period.
Jan’s lawyer and other legal experts argued that the charges, including the discovery of drugs in his vehicle, were fabricated, aiming to punish him for his critical journalism. Rights organizations such as Amnesty International and the Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the arrest as a violation of press freedom, calling for Jan’s immediate release. The arrest also drew attention to the broader issue of press repression in Pakistan, with numerous journalists and political figures condemning the government’s heavy-handed tactics to suppress dissent.
Human rights advocates and political parties have called the case against Jan a clear example of the government’s effort to stifle independent journalism, highlighting the dangers journalists face when reporting the truth in an increasingly authoritarian climate. As the case unfolds, Jan’s colleagues and supporters vow to challenge the charges, demanding justice for the veteran journalist.
