Dawood Ahmed:
ISLAMABAD: Senior journalist Matiullah Jan has been released from custody after Islamabad’s Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) granted him bail on Saturday in a case involving terrorism and narcotics charges. The case, which was widely criticized as “fabricated” and “politically motivated,” sparked nationwide calls for his release.
Jan was detained in Islamabad on Wednesday night, with his son alleging that “unknown individuals” had abducted him. He was later booked under terrorism and narcotics charges, leading to protests from media groups and human rights organizations.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) intervened on Friday, suspending Jan’s two-day physical remand and ordering judicial custody. Following his bail plea, ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra approved his release today.
Jan’s legal team, including Advocates Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir, Hadi Ali Chattha, and Attaullah Kundi, successfully argued for his bail. His release has been welcomed by journalists and activists, who have described the case as a blatant attack on press freedom.
