Anti-Terrorism Court Approves Two-Day Physical Remand of Journalist Motiullah Jan

Islamabad: An Anti-Terrorism Court has approved a two-day physical remand for senior journalist Motiullah Jan. The decision was delivered by Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra after the court hearing.
Motiullah Jan, who was brought before the court, has been implicated in a case related to the Anti-Terrorism Act. Prosecutor Raja Naveed, defense lawyers Faisal Chaudhry, Iman Mazari, and Hadi Ali were present during the hearing.
During the proceedings, Prosecutor Raja Naveed requested a 30-day physical remand for Motiullah Jan, while the defense counsel sought his discharge from the case, arguing that the charges were unfounded. Hadi Ali, Jan’s lawyer, pointed out that the case against him was absurd, emphasizing Jan’s longstanding reputation as a senior journalist known for his fearless reporting.
The lawyer also clarified that Jan was simply reporting on the aftermath of a protest at PIMS Hospital, where some demonstrators had been killed. A statement from fellow journalist Saqib Bashir, who was with Motiullah Jan at the hospital, was submitted to the court.
The prosecutor, however, alleged that Jan was involved in illegal activities, including the possession of narcotics, and requested a remand to investigate further. This led to a moment of levity in the courtroom when the prosecutor suggested that Jan might be in possession of ice (methamphetamine), prompting laughter from those present.
Judge Sipra, while aware of Motiullah Jan’s high-profile status in the media, emphasized that the case would be judged on the basis of legal merits, not personal bias. He also remarked on the unusual nature of the charges and asked whether Jan’s role as a journalist could be a factor in considering his remand.
Motiullah Jan’s lawyers contested the charges, arguing that the physical remand was unwarranted, with Faisal Chaudhry asserting that there was no justification for a 30-day detention. Judge Sipra ultimately decided to approve a two-day remand while allowing Jan to meet with his family.
PFUJ Condemns Arrest
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) have strongly condemned Motiullah Jan’s arrest, calling for his immediate release.
Earlier, Jan’s son had posted on social media, claiming that his father had been abducted by unknown armed men from Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). The police later clarified that Motiullah Jan had been arrested in connection with a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Authorities allege that Jan had attempted to seize a weapon from the police during a traffic stop and that 246 grams of methamphetamine (ice) were found in his vehicle.
The case continues to unfold, with both sides awaiting further developments in court.