An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has issued a notice to the police in a narcotics and terrorism case filed against senior journalist Matiullah Jan. The case, which has drawn attention from media circles and rights activists, involves allegations that have been widely viewed as controversial.
Matiullah Jan, known for his outspoken journalism and critical stance toward state policies, has faced legal pressures before. His recent case has again raised concerns over the treatment of journalists and the use of legal actions to curb press freedom. The ATC’s move to seek a police response marks a crucial step in determining the future course of the case.
According to initial reports, the court has asked the investigating officers to submit a detailed record of the charges and evidence. Legal experts say that such cases often involve procedural complexities, especially when both narcotics and terrorism clauses are applied together. The development has sparked debate among legal analysts over the possible motives behind the case.
Meanwhile, similar actions by courts have been in the spotlight recently. For instance, in a separate case, the ATC froze Aleema Khan’s bank accounts and blocked her CNIC, a move that drew significant public attention. The incident reflects how the judiciary has been actively engaging in politically sensitive matters across different cases.
For Matiullah Jan, this notice could signal a prolonged legal battle ahead. Supporters within the journalist community have expressed solidarity, emphasizing that such cases test the limits of media freedom in Pakistan. As the police prepare their report for the next hearing, observers await to see whether the court will proceed with formal charges or dismiss the case for lack of evidence.
