ISLAMABAD: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has granted bail to journalist Matiullah Jan, who was arrested for alleged narcotics possession and assault on a cop.

The journalist was presented before ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra under tight security on Saturday.

Judge Sipra sent Mr Jan on a physical remand on Thu­­rsday. However, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) scrapped the decision and sent the journalist to jail on judicial remand. Mr Jan’s lawyers, Imaan Mazari-Hazir and Barris­ter Hadi Chatha submitted the IHC order and fil­ed a bail application, urging the court to give immediate relief.

After reviewing the ap­­plication, the judge issued notices to the prosecution to present their arguments.

Later, he granted bail to Mr Jan and ordered his release despite the prosecutor’s request for its dismissal. During the proceedings, the judge made candid remarks about the “ethical challenges” in journalism and other professions. He commented on media’s role in society and warned against sensationalism.

“A journalist’s duty is to report res­p­o­nsibly. Unfortunately, many are tarni­s­hing their credibility for fleeting fame,” Judge Sipra remarked. He also criticised unethical practices in various professi­ons, urging accountability and integrity.

The case against Mr Jan has been derided by journalist bodies, human rights organisations and his legal team, which claimed the journalist was being targeted as he was working to verify reports of deaths caused by law-enforcement action against PTI protesters.

Mr Jan’s lawyer, Imaan Mazari-Hazir, welcomed the court’s decision to grant his client bail.

“The decision reflects that justice can prevail despite pressures. Matiullah Jan is a voice for truth, and his release is a step towards ensuring press freedom.”

He was arrested on Nov 26 in a case registered at the Margalla Police Sta­tion. The FIR against Mr Jan included Section 9(2)4 of the Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997 for possessing or trafficking “more than 100g and up to 500g” of psychotropic substance and Section 7 (Punishment for acts of terrorism) of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

The FIR claimed that Mr Jan was in possession of the narcotic methamphetamine (crystal meth) when his vehicle was stopped at a checkpoint at Islamabad’s Sector E-9.

It claimed that Mr Jan “rammed the vehicle” into the cops, injuring Constable Mudassir. When the car stopped at the security barrier, Mr Jan stepped out and “assaulted” a cop, snatched his weapon and pointed it back at the cop, the FIR said.

Published in Dawn, December 1st, 2024