ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday suspended the physical remand of senior journalist Matiullah Jan in a case involving allegations of terrorism and narcotics, filed at the Margalla Police Station in Islamabad.
A bench comprising IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir issued the decision in response to a petition challenging the two-day physical remand granted by an anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Thursday.
This development follows Jan’s arrest by Islamabad Police on Thursday at the E-9 checkpoint. He was accused of assaulting police officers, forcibly seizing their weapons, making threats, and being under the influence of drugs. Police claimed to have recovered “ice” (methamphetamine) from his vehicle.
The FIR against Jan cites multiple charges, including Section 279 of the CrPC (rash driving), Section 353 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from duty), Section 382 (theft after preparation for causing harm or restraint), Section 427 (mischief causing damage), Section 506 (criminal intimidation), along with Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) and a narcotics-related provision.
During Friday’s hearing, Jan’s legal team, comprising Imaan Zainab Mazari-Haazir, Hadi Ali Chattha, and IHC Bar Association President Riasat Ali Azad, appeared in court. Advocate Azad pointed out that the FIR made no reference to the purchase or sale of “ice.”
Granting the plea, the court ruled that Matiullah Jan would now be considered on judicial remand instead of physical remand.
The court’s decision comes amid widespread condemnation of Matiullah Jan’s arrest, with criticism pouring in from media organizations, human rights groups, and even members of the current government.
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah called the case against Jan “fabricated.” He remarked, “Whenever such FIRs are filed, they follow similar patterns.
The Islamabad inspector general of police must be held accountable, as he and his force are the complainants in this FIR.” Sanaullah further stated, “Justice demands that those who fabricated this story should face consequences, while the wrongly accused should be set free.”
In a separate statement today, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) stalwart and former Senate chairman Raza Rabbani also criticized Jan’s arrest. “The charges against [Matiullah] Jan are baseless, and his detention is unjustified. The government must release him immediately,” Rabbani asserted.
