Senior journalist Matiullah Jan was arrested by Islamabad Police on Thursday following reports of a case filed against him, according to sources cited by News Channels . Jan was taken to Margalla Police Station, though no official copy or transcript of the alleged case has been provided yet.
Global Outcry Over Arrest
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), an American NGO, condemned Jan’s arrest, highlighting Pakistan’s troubling record on press freedom. In its 2024 Global Impunity Index, Pakistan ranked 12th among the worst offenders, with 39 journalists murdered since 1992. Out of these, accountability has been achieved in only three cases, while the vast majority remain unresolved.
Previous Incident in 2020
This is not the first time Jan has faced targeting. In 2020, he went missing for nearly 12 hours in Islamabad before safely returning home. At the time, he expressed gratitude to national and international journalists, politicians, and others for their swift action that ensured his return.
Growing Alarm Over Journalist Safety
Jan’s arrest has reignited concerns about the safety of journalists in Pakistan and the lack of accountability in crimes against the press. Advocacy groups have urged the government to clarify the charges against Jan and ensure his immediate release.
