Senior journalist Matiullah Jan arrested in Islamabad

Islamabad police have arrested senior journalist Matiullah Jan after an incident on the night of November 28. According to police reports, Matiullah Jan allegedly ignored a signal to stop his vehicle at a checkpoint in Islamabad. The FIR filed by the police claims that his car struck Constable Mudassar, who was on duty, resulting in injuries to the officer.

The police have also accused Jan of assaulting the officer, alleging that he took a government-issued weapon from the officer and threatened to kill him. Authorities further claim that Jan was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.

The arrest has sparked strong reactions from various organizations. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) condemned Jan’s detention and demanded his immediate release. They have threatened to organise nationwide protests if he is not freed. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has also called for Jan’s unconditional release, describing the action as an attack on press freedom.