Court sets deadline for forensic report in Matiullah Jan case
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 30 January 2026 | JP Staff Report
Join our WhatsApp channel
The Islamabad High Court directed the investigating officer to submit the forensic report on narcotics allegedly seized from journalist Matiullah Jan by February 9, amid debate over the absence of video evidence and claims of possession.Summary
ISLAMABAD — The Islamabad High Court on Friday directed the investigating officer in the narcotics and terrorism case against journalist Matiullah Jan to submit the forensic report of the allegedly recovered narcotics by February 9. A division bench comprising Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Justice Inam Amin Minhas heard Jan’s appeal against the trial court’s decision. Matiullah Jan appeared in court with his lawyers Qadeer Janjua and Ahad Khokhar.
Forensic report deadline and evidence debate
During proceedings, the government prosecutor asserted that evidence exists to charge Matiullah Jan, including possession of “ice” or crystal meth, and that witnesses are available. Jan’s lawyer, Qadeer Janjua, argued that narcotics cases require video evidence, which he said is absent in this case. Justice Arbab questioned whether the absence of video should prevent framing charges, while Justice Inam Amin Minhas asked how charges could be blocked if possession is established.
Defense highlights journalistic work
Advocate Janjua emphasized that Matiullah Jan has been reporting on courts for three decades and claimed the case was fabricated after Jan visited PIMS hospital to report on a November 26 incident. Justice Arbab pressed the defense on other allegations, including the recovery of a Kalashnikov. Janjua noted that the narcotics sample collected on November 28, 2024, had been sent for forensic testing, but after 14 months, the report had not yet been received.
Investigating officer given timeline
The investigating officer confirmed that reminders for the forensic report had been sent, but no results had arrived. The court granted time until the next hearing on February 9 for submission of the report and adjourned the proceedings.
WHY THIS MATTERS: The case underscores challenges for journalists facing legal action in Pakistan, including delays in forensic testing and procedural questions over evidence requirements. Media organizations should note the implications for press freedom, timely legal processes, and the potential use of investigative delays in cases involving journalists.
ATTRIBUTION: Story is based on reporting by BBC Urdu
PHOTO: Screenshot from Matiullah Jan’s official YouTube channel
Key Points
- IHC ordered the forensic report on narcotics allegedly seized from Matiullah Jan to be submitted by Feb 9.
- The division bench heard Jan's appeal against the trial court; he appeared with lawyers Qadeer Janjua and Ahad Khokhar.
- The prosecutor said evidence and witnesses exist, including alleged crystal meth, while defense argued video evidence is absent.
- Defense claimed the case was fabricated after Jan's reporting at PIMS and noted the narcotics sample sent on Nov 28, 2024 has not received a report for 14 months.
- The investigating officer was given reminders and a timeline to produce the forensic findings.
Ask AI: Understand this story your way
AI EnabledDig deeper, ask anything — get instant context, background, and clarity.
Disclaimer: This feature is powered by AI and is intended to help readers explore and understand news stories more easily. While we strive for accuracy, AI-generated responses may occasionally be incomplete or reflect limitations in the underlying model. This feature does not represent the editorial views of JournalismPakistan. For our full, verified reporting, please refer to the original article.
