Senior journalist and anchor Matiullah Jan was taken into custody from Islamabad late last night, his son confirmed in a social media post.
The incident has raised concerns among the journalistic community, as the reasons behind his arrest remain unclear.
According to Matiullah Jan's son, his father was at PIMS Hospital with fellow journalist Saqib Bashir when the authorities detained him.
Both journalists were initially taken together, but Saqib Bashir was reportedly released shortly after the vehicle traveled some distance.
Despite repeated inquiries, police have declined to disclose details of the case filed against Matiullah Jan, fueling speculation and uncertainty.
What are the charges against Matiullah Jan?
Matiullah Jan was arrested in Islamabad following an alleged altercation at a police checkpoint.
According to the FIR lodged by Islamabad Capital Territory Police (ICT), Matiullah Jan’s vehicle collided with a police constable, Mudassar, injuring him.
The FIR also claimed that Jan ignored signals to stop at the checkpoint and later threatened a police officer, allegedly attempting to seize his official weapon.
The document further alleges that the journalist was in a state of intoxication at the time of the incident.
Anti-Terrorism Court hearing
Matiullah Jan is expected to be presented in the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad today for further legal proceedings.
Who is Matiullah Jan?
Matiullah Jan is a prominent Pakistani journalist known for his reporting and commentary on political and social issues.
With a career spanning several decades, he has gained recognition for his investigative journalism on matters related to governance, corruption, and press freedom.
Jan has worked with leading media outlets in Pakistan and has often reported on sensitive topics, which has brought him both acclaim and controversy.
He advocated for journalistic integrity and freedom of speech in Pakistan. Matiullah Jan was abducted and arrested also in the former prime minister Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) era.
AEMEND condemns arrest of journalist Matiullah Jan
The Association of Electronic Media and News Directors (AEMEND) has strongly condemned the arrest of senior journalist Matiullah Jan, calling the allegations against him "ridiculous" and part of a disturbing new tactic to silence journalists in Pakistan.
In a statement, AMED emphasized that the charges, including the claim that Matiullah Jan injured a constable by hitting him with his car, were baseless and fabricated. The association expressed concern that such false accusations were part of a broader pattern of targeting journalists with illegal detentions.
"Along with Matiullah Jan, there are numerous instances of illegal detention of journalists on record," said AMED. "These incidents highlight the deteriorating state of freedom of expression in Pakistan."
AMED reiterated that while respect for the law is crucial, it is equally important to ensure that such laws are not misused to suppress free speech. The association warned that illegal actions under the guise of law are aimed at stifling dissent and curbing the expression of opinion.
The statement called for an end to the series of false FIRs and illegal detentions against journalists, urging the government to take immediate action against those responsible for these violations.
PFUJ statement on senior journalist Matiullah Jan’s abduction and arrest
Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has expressed grave concern over the abduction and arrest of senior journalist Matiullah Jan.
In a statement, the PFUJ has appealed to President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, and Federal Minister for Interior to intervene in the matter.
The union has demanded an immediate investigation into the incident and called for action against those responsible for the unlawful detention of the journalist.
The PFUJ further emphasized that the release of Matiullah Jan should be ensured, warning that if he is not released, protests will be held across the country.
Balochistan High Court Bar Association condemns Jan's arrest
