IHC suspends physical remand of Matiullah Jan

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday suspended an Anti-Terrorism Court's order granting physical remand of journalist Matiullah Jan in a terrorism and crystal meth possession case.

IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir heard a plea against the physical remand of the journalist. The Anti-Terrorism Court order was read on the instruction of the court.

IHC Bar Association President Riasat Ali Azad and Jan's lawyers Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha appeared before the court.

Advocate Riasat Ali read out the FIR against Matiullah Jan in the court. He said the FIR does not mention sale and purchase of drug. Besides, a statement of another journalist is also on record. The case is fabricated and based on lies.

The court overruled objections to the petition and suspended the ATC's decision, which had granted a two-day physical remand of the journalist.

The IHC directed that Matiullah Jan be deemed on judicial remand. The hearing of the case adjourned till Monday.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) expressed grave concern over the abduction and subsequent arrest of senior journalist Matiullah Jan. The journalist body warned of countrywide protests if Jan was not released.