Matiullah Jan, the prominent Pakistani journalist, was put on remand on charges of attempted murder and possession of drugs, according to an FIR filed at the Margalla police station.
The FIR states that Matiullah’s driver did not stop but moved ahead toward policemen and endangered their lives. The authorities maintained they caught it with the help of a road barrier and found drugs (especially ice) in it.
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists has condemned his arrest and reminded that in 2020, Jan had also gone missing. They are demanding his immediate release, issuing threats of protests nationwide in case the demand is not entertained. The PFUJ called for an impartial and fair inquiry, as any illegal act against journalists is intolerable in a democratic society.
Also Read: Kuwait Tightens Residency Rules with Harsher Penalties
Abducted from Islamabad’s Sector G-6 in broad daylight in July 2020 and released later that same day after 12 hours outside Fateh Jung, this latest incident notably repeated concerns raised over press freedom and the safety of journalists in Pakistan.
This again raises the issue of the safety of reporters in Pakistan and calls for an investigation regarding the incident surrounding the arrest.