“I am not afraid,” says journalist Matiullah Jan after arrest

Journalist Matiullah Jan, who was arrested by Islamabad Police just hours after his disappearance from outside PIMS Hospital, was presented in an anti-terrorism court (ATC) today (Thursday).

Authorities have charged him under multiple sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), and the Control of Narcotic Substances Act.

Speaking to reporters during his court appearance, Jan dismissed the allegations, stating, “I am not afraid. Everyone knows I don’t even smoke a cigarette.”

When asked why he was detained if the charges were baseless, he responded, “Because I was reporting about the de@d b*dies.”

Matiullah Jan’s son took to X to report about the “abduction” of his father from the parking of PIM hospital at 11 pm by unidentified individuals. 

Defense lawyer Hadi Ali requested the court to reject the 30-day physical remand sought by Prosecutor Raja Naveed. Additionally, journalist Saqib Bashir submitted an affidavit denying allegations of drug consumption.

The prosecutor argued that the court must determine how the drugs were allegedly found in Matiullah Jan’s possession.

Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra reserved the decision on Jan’s remand while allowing him to meet his family after the hearing.

An FIR was lodged against Matiullah Jan at Margalla Police Station, accusing him of running over Constable Mudassir at the E-9 checkpoint in Islamabad while allegedly under the influence.

The charges in the FIR include rash driving, assault on a police officer, possession of narcotics, theft, and other offenses under Sections 279, 353, 382, 427, and 506 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).