“Matiullah Jan Arrested: Pakistan’s Media Community Raises Alarm

ISLAMABAD: Renowned journalist and YouTuber Matiullah Jan, known for his critical reporting, was allegedly abducted from outside PIMS Hospital in Islamabad late Wednesday night. Later reports revealed he was in custody at Margalla Police Station. The incident has sparked widespread concerns over press freedom and journalist safety in Pakistan.
Initial Reports of Abduction
Senior journalist Hamid Mir, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), claimed that Jan and fellow journalist Saqib Bashir were taken by unidentified individuals in unmarked vehicles around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday. Abdul Razzaq, Jan’s son, confirmed the news, stating, “They did not identify themselves as police, Rangers, or any other authority. Why bother in the democratic republic of Pakistan, where accountability seems optional?”
Razzaq added that while Saqib Bashir was released soon after the incident, Jan remained in custody. According to Bashir, the captors stated, “We have no issue with you; the problem is with Matiullah Jan.”
Claims and Counterclaims
Before his detention, Matiullah Jan had posted a controversial video alleging that a Rangers official was struck by a Rangers-operated vehicle during a protest in Islamabad. Contrarily, other Rangers officials claimed the vehicle was driven by protesters. Jan also accused PIMS hospital officials of being pressured not to report casualties resulting from an operation against PTI protesters.
Later Thursday morning, journalist Arifa Noor revealed that Jan was being held at Margalla Police Station. However, Jan’s lawyer, Imaan Mazari, stated he was moved from the station before she could meet him.
Charges Against Matiullah Jan
An FIR filed at Margalla Police Station accuses Jan of multiple offenses, including:
• Attempting to run over security personnel while driving a white car at high speed in E-9.
• Snatching and pointing a guard’s gun at security staff.
• Allegedly being intoxicated during the incident.
• Possession of 246 grams of crystal methamphetamine (“ice”) found in a shopping bag inside the vehicle.
The FIR contradicts earlier reports of Jan’s abduction outside PIMS Hospital, claiming the arrest occurred in E-9.
Legal Developments
Matiullah Jan has been booked under the Anti-Terrorism Act and is scheduled to appear before an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad later today. Meanwhile, journalist Saqib Bashir has filed a petition with the Islamabad High Court regarding the incident. Eman Mazari Advocate has been given access to Mati.
Media and Public Reaction
Hamid Mir and other journalists have raised concerns over the growing harassment of journalists in Pakistan. Mir described the situation as alarming, questioning the rising use of intimidation tactics against media professionals.