ATC Grants Bail to Journalist Matiullah Jan in Terrorism and Narcotics Case

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad approved the bail petition of senior journalist Matiullah Jan on Saturday in a case involving allegations of terrorism and narcotics. Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra presided over the hearing and granted bail against a bond of Rs10,000.

Jan’s arrest occurred two days earlier at the E-9 checkpoint in Islamabad, where police accused him of assault, attempting to forcibly seize weapons, and issuing threats while allegedly being under the influence of drugs. Police claimed that a substance known as “ice” was recovered from his vehicle.

The first information report (FIR) against Jan includes multiple charges, such as Sections 279 (rash driving), 353 (assault on a public servant), 382 (theft after preparation for causing harm), 427 (mischief causing damage), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Pakistan Penal Code, as well as terrorism charges under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) and a narcotics-related provision.

Initially, the ATC granted police a two-day physical remand of the journalist. However, on Friday, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) intervened and suspended the remand order.

Jan’s arrest sparked widespread condemnation from media organizations, human rights advocates, and political figures, including members of the ruling coalition. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, described the case as “fabricated” during an appearance on Geo News’ Capital Talk.

Prominent political leaders also called for Jan’s release. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) veteran Raza Rabbani urged the government to take immediate action, while Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Irfan Siddiqui expressed regret over the incident, saying, “What happened to Jan is very sad, regardless of who was behind it.”

The case has drawn attention to press freedom and the treatment of journalists in Pakistan, with calls for greater transparency in the investigation.