Senior Journalists Matyullah Jan and Shakir Awan Arrested, Media Community Expresses Concerns

Islamabad:Last night, two senior journalists, Matyullah Jan and court reporter Shakir Awan, were arrested, sparking alarm among the media community. Journalists’ representative organizations have condemned the arrests, calling them illegal and demanding suo-motu action from the Chief Justice of Pakistan.

The arrests of both journalists have led to a surge of social media activity, with old tweets from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif being shared widely. In these past tweets, both leaders had strongly criticized the abduction of journalists, holding the then-government (led by Imran Khan) responsible for such actions.

Journalist Majid Nizami shared a tweet by Maryam Nawaz from the past, in which she condemned the abduction of two journalists on the same day, calling it extremely alarming. She had written: “The protection of journalists is the responsibility of the state, and any negligence in this regard is criminal. To disappear someone for criticizing is an undeclared martial law. How many people will you silence? Now the whole country is speaking out, these actions will leave you nowhere. Shame on you.”

In response, Majid Nizami criticized Maryam Nawaz for her current stance, pointing out the irony of her words. He wrote: “Maryam Nawaz, last night two journalists were abducted, which is extremely alarming. Disappearing someone for criticism is an undeclared martial law, and now you too are part of it. How many people will you silence? Now the entire country is speaking out. These actions will leave you nowhere.”

Journalist Khurram Iqbal also shared a tweet from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif from 2020, in which he had strongly condemned the abduction of journalist Matyullah Jan. In his tweet, Shehbaz Sharif had stated: “If something happens to Matyullah Jan, the Prime Minister will be held responsible.”

Matyullah Jan had previously been abducted in July 2020, during the tenure of the PTI government, but was later released safely. His abduction, along with Shakir Awan’s, has now raised fresh concerns regarding press freedom and the safety of journalists in the country.

As the situation unfolds, the media community is calling for immediate intervention, urging that the government uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety and freedom of the press. The arrest of these journalists has highlighted ongoing concerns about press freedom and the treatment of journalists in Pakistan, with many fearing a continued pattern of harassment and intimidation.