ATC grants bail to journalist Matiullah Jan in terrorism, narcotics case

Islamabad: Senior journalist Matiullah Jan was granted bail by an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in the federal capital on Saturday in connection with a terrorism and narcotics case. The ATC Judge, Tahir Abbas Sipra, approved Jan’s bail against a bond of Rs 10,000.

The decision comes two days after Jan’s arrest by Islamabad Police at the E-9 checkpoint. He was accused of assaulting police officers, attempting to seize their weapons, issuing threats, and being under the influence of drugs, with authorities reportedly recovering the narcotic substance “ice” from his vehicle.

An FIR was filed against the journalist under multiple sections of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), including Sections 279 (reckless driving), 353 (assault or criminal force against a public servant), 382 (theft involving preparation for harm), 427 (mischief causing damage), and 506 (criminal intimidation), alongside Section 7ATA (terrorism-related charges) and a narcotics section.

Following his arrest, an ATC initially granted a two-day physical remand of Jan, but on Friday, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) suspended the remand, granting relief to the journalist.

The arrest sparked widespread condemnation from media, human rights organisations, and even members of the current government. Speaking on Geo News’ ‘Capital Talk,’ adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, called the case “fabricated.”

Political figures, including Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) veteran Raza Rabbani, also called for Jan’s release. Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Irfan Siddiqui expressed his dismay at the incident, stating, “What happened to [Matiullah] Jan is very sad, regardless of who ordered it.”