Journalist Matiullah Jan has been kidnapped from Islamabad after PTI protest.
Pakistani youtuber and journalist Matiullah Jan has been allegedly abducted by unknown men from outside Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences – PIMS, his family said.
Many human rights activists and renowned TV show host Hamid Mir claimed that Matiullah was kidnapped by unidentified men on the night of November 26 along with another journalist, Saqib Bashir.
Meanwhile, family members are preparing to file petition with Islamabad High Court for the release of a controversial journalist, who remained vocal against powerful quarters in recent times.
Journalist Matiullah Jan Abducted from Islamabad after PTI protesters dispersed following Ranger’s midnight operation.
Matiullah’s abduction comes amid soaring political tensions in the capital as he shared a clip, showing a Rangers official being struck by a vehicle.
Matiullah Jan’s reporting against Ranger’s statement
Jan initially suggested the officer was hit by his own vehicle, but Rangers officials later clarified that the officer was run over by a speeding vehicle driven by protesters.
It was reported that PIMS hospital staff was allegedly pressured not to report injuries, or deaths from Islamabad late-night operation against PTI protesters, while further details are yet to be shared with media on this matter.
The abduction of noted journalist raised concerns over press freedom and the safety of journalists in Pakistan, the country which remains one of the most dangerous countries for media workers, with frequent target killings, impunity for perpetrators, and restricted press freedom.
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FIR report against Matiullah Jan
Meanwhile, Islamabad police announced that Jan had been detained following an alleged confrontation at a security checkpoint in the capital.
According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed on the complaint of Capital Police Sub-Inspector Asif Ali, the incident occurred on the evening of November 28 when Jan, while driving, was reportedly ordered by police to stop at a checkpoint in E-9.
When Jan’s car failed to stop, it collided with a constable, injuring him.
After the collision, Jan allegedly seized the officer’s government-issued weapon and threatened to shoot him.
The FIR also stated that Jan was intoxicated at the time.
