ATC grants bail to senior journalist Matiullah Jan in drug trafficking case

Journalist's bail is set at Rs10,000

The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has granted bail to senior journalist Matiullah Jan in a drug trafficking case.

His bail was set at Rs10,000.

The hearing, presided over by Judge Tahir Abbas Supra, included the submission of a copy of the Islamabad High Court's (IHC) order.

The court also completed the process of sending Matiullah Jan on judicial remand.

Matiullah Jan's lawyer made a request for bail, and the judge noted that the prosecution should be prepared for further proceedings.

Judge Supra also expressed concern over the state of journalism, saying, "It is disgraceful when a prosecutor accuses a journalist of consuming illicit substances. Should we also claim that journalists sell their thoughts?"

The case has raised broader concerns about the relationship between the media and authorities in the country.

IHC suspends Matiullah Jan physical remand order

Previously, IHC on November 29 suspended an ATC'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 ATC rder 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.

Rana Sanaullah slams Matiullah Jan's arrest

Meanwhile, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah dismissed the charges against senior journalist Matiullah Jan as a “concocted and fabricated story” during an interview with a local news channel on Thursday.

Sanaullah, when questioned about the First Information Report (FIR) filed against Jan and his own past narcotics case, drew parallels, stating, “Such stories are often fabricated when needed. They've been made against us, and they were made against me as well.”

He further criticised the Islamabad police, stating that the police chief should be held accountable since the force was the complainant in the FIR. “This FIR must be decided on merit,” Sanaullah argued.

Sanaullah also defended Jan's journalistic work, highlighting the role of independent journalists in uncovering the truth.