Prominent Journalist Matiullah Jan Arrested in Islamabad
Details of the Arrest
The arrest occurred after a case was registered against Matiullah Jan at the Margalla police station.
Allegations in the FIR
- The FIR states that the vehicle’s driver attempted to run over law enforcement personnel after being signaled to stop.
- It claims the driver intentionally accelerated towards the personnel, putting their lives at risk.
- Authorities reportedly managed to stop the vehicle by deploying a barrier on the route.
- Ice (a form of methamphetamine) was allegedly recovered from the vehicle’s seat, and Matiullah Jan has been accused of drug use.
The case includes charges of attempted murder and other serious offenses.
PFUJ’s Reaction
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned Matiullah Jan’s arrest, calling for his immediate release. In a strongly worded statement, the PFUJ expressed concerns over what it described as “targeted action” against a senior journalist.
PFUJ’s Key Demands:
- Immediate and unconditional release of Matiullah Jan.
- A fair and transparent investigation into the incident.
- An end to what it calls an ongoing pattern of harassment against journalists.
The PFUJ warned of countrywide protests if their demands are not met, stressing that the arrest of journalists undermines press freedom and democracy in Pakistan.
Background: 2020 Abduction Incident
This is not the first time Matiullah Jan has faced such challenges. In 2020, he was abducted in broad daylight from Islamabad’s Sector G-6 by unidentified men.
- Jan was taken to an undisclosed location and released 12 hours later near Fateh Jang town in Punjab province.
- The incident had sparked widespread condemnation from civil society and international media watchdogs.
Press Freedom Concerns
Matiullah Jan’s arrest highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of journalists in Pakistan. The incident has drawn attention both locally and internationally, with press freedom advocates emphasizing the need to ensure the safety and independence of media professionals.
The PFUJ reiterated that such actions against journalists are unacceptable in any civilized society and urged the authorities to uphold the principles of justice and transparency.
As the story unfolds, Matiullah Jan’s arrest is poised to spark broader discussions on media freedoms and the rights of journalists in Pakistan.