Islamabad police net senior journalist Matiullah Jan in terrorism, drug case

Islamabad: The Islamabad police arrested senior journalist and reporter Matiullah Jan in connection with a terrorism case on Thursday, sources claimed.

Jan was shifted to Margalla police station after arrest. According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed at the Margalla police station in Islamabad, a police checkpoint was set up on Margalla Road.

At around 2:15am, a vehicle approached at extremely high speed from the F-10 side. Despite being signalled to stop, the driver allegedly drove the vehicle towards the police officers with the intent to harm them.

According to the FIR, the individual in the vehicle stepped out and assaulted Constable Mudassir. He then forcibly snatched an official SMG rifle from the constable and pointed it at the officers, threatening to kill them.

The FIR further states that the officers present at the scene managed to subdue the individual, who was identified as Matiullah Jan, son of Abdul Razzaq Abbasi.

During the arrest, Matiullah Jan was reportedly found to be under the influence of drugs. Upon searching the vehicle, a white plastic bag containing 246 grams of crystal meth (ice) was discovered under the driver's seat.

According to the FIR, senior journalist Matiullah Jan has been charged with multiple offences, including failing to stop his vehicle at the checkpoint, attempting to hit the police barrier with the intent to harm police officers, obstructing public servants from performing their duties, possession of crystal meth (ice), and creating fear and panic among bystanders.

A case has been registered against him under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATC), along with other relevant provisions. Matiullah Jan is set to be presented before a local court today.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) demanded the release of Matiullah Jan.