ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – An anti-terrorism court (ATC) has granted a two-day physical remand of journalist Matiullah Jan, who faces multiple charges including assaulting police officers, stealing a weapon, and drug possession.
He was arrested by Islamabad police late last night at the I-9 checkpoint.
ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra issued the remand order after hearing arguments from both sides.
Prosecutor Raja Naveed sought a 30-day remand, which Matiullah’s lawyer, Advocate Faisal Chaudhry, strongly opposed.
According to the FIR, Matiullah Jan’s vehicle allegedly struck a constable, Mudassir, at the checkpoint. He is accused of stealing a government-issued weapon and threatening the officer.
The FIR also claims he was under the influence of drugs and that 246 grams of crystal meth (ice) were recovered from his car.
The journalist has been transferred to Margalla Police Station and is facing charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997, anti-narcotics laws, and various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
The case was registered on the complaint of Superintendent of Police Asif Ali at 3:20am on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have condemned Matiullah Jan’s arrest, expressing serious concern and demanding his immediate release.