Court to formally frame terrorism charges against Matiullah Jan
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 18 February 2026 | JP Staff Report
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An Anti-Terrorism Court in Islamabad rejected journalist Matiullah Jan's plea challenging its jurisdiction and ordered that terrorism and narcotics charges be formally framed against him; Jan said on X the case is fabricated and an attack on journalism.Summary
ISLAMABAD — Senior journalist Matiullah Jan said on social media platform X that an Anti‑Terrorism Court (ATC) in the federal capital has dismissed his challenge to the court’s jurisdiction and will formally frame terrorism and narcotics charges against him, according to his verified X post.
In the post, Jan described the case as fabricated and an “open attack on journalists and journalism,” and reiterated that he was abducted from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) on November 27, 2024, while reporting on protest casualties with colleague Saqib Bashir.
Court to frame charges despite denial
In his X message, Jan wrote in Urdu that the ATC judge Tahir Abbas Supra rejected his plea and ordered that charges under anti‑terrorism and narcotics laws be framed the next day, February 19. He said authorities were pursuing what he described as a “fake case” against him, asserting that the FIR lodged by Islamabad police was concocted after his abduction.
انسدادِ دھشت گردی کی خصوصی عدالت کے جج طاہر عباس سپرا نے میرے خلاف دھشت گردی اور منشیات کے کیس میں دھشت گردی کے الزامات پر دائرہ اختیار کی درخواست مسترد کرتے ہوئے کل بروز جمعرات کو فردِ جرم عائد کرنے کا حکم سنایا ہے۔ حکومت اس جعلی کیس کو آگے لیکر چل رہی ہے جو کھلم کھلا صحافیوں…
— Matiullah Jan (@Matiullahjan919) February 18, 2026
Jan’s post also reiterated his longstanding position that the case stems from his reporting activities. He highlighted that both he and Bashir were taken from the PIMS parking area by unknown individuals before an FIR was filed, and that the legal proceedings are part of broader pressure on independent journalists.
Context of the case and legal challenge
The FIR against Jan, registered at Margalla Police Station, alleges that his vehicle struck a police constable at a checkpoint in Islamabad’s E‑9 sector, that he assaulted the officer and briefly took his weapon, and that 246 grams of methamphetamine were found in the car. Prosecutors have invoked provisions of the Anti‑Terrorism Act 1997, the Control of Narcotic Substances Act 1997, and multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Jan’s legal team contested the court’s jurisdiction and the sufficiency of evidence, particularly the absence of video documentation of the alleged drug recovery, an argument also raised in earlier hearings. Despite these objections, the ATC moved to adjourn until the framing of formal charges.
Press freedom implications
The case has drawn attention from journalist networks and media rights groups, who view the prosecution of a prominent news professional under terrorism statutes as emblematic of mounting legal pressures on independent reporting in Pakistan. Jan has denied all allegations and characterized the proceedings as retaliation for his investigative work.
WHY THIS MATTERS: For Pakistani journalists and media outlets, this development highlights the increasing use of anti‑terrorism and narcotics laws in cases involving media figures, with potential chilling effects on investigative reporting and press freedom. It underscores the necessity for legal safeguards, meticulous documentation of journalistic activities, and awareness of evolving legal risks affecting media practitioners.
ATTRIBUTION: Reporting based on Matiullah Jan’s X post and coverage of court proceedings.
PHOTO: A screenshot from Matiullah Jan's YouTube channel MJtv
Key Points
- The ATC in Islamabad dismissed Matiullah Jan's challenge to its jurisdiction.
- The court ordered terrorism and narcotics charges to be formally framed, scheduled for Feb 19.
- Jan said the case is fabricated and part of the pressure on independent journalists after his reported abduction from PIMS on Nov 27, 2024.
- The FIR alleges his vehicle struck a constable, an assault, and temporary seizure of the officer's weapon, and mentions narcotics.
- Jan and colleague Saqib Bashir say they were taken from the PIMS parking area before an FIR was filed.
Key Questions & Answers
What did the Anti-Terrorism Court decide?
The ATC dismissed Matiullah Jan's challenge to its jurisdiction and ordered that terrorism and narcotics charges be formally framed against him.
When will the charges be framed?
The court ordered charges to be framed on February 19, according to Jan's post on X.
What does Matiullah Jan allege about the case?
Jan said the case is fabricated and described it as an open attack on journalists, reiterating that he was abducted from PIMS while reporting.
What does the FIR allege?
The FIR registered at Margalla police station alleges Jan's vehicle struck a police constable, that he assaulted the officer and briefly took his weapon, and refers to narcotics.
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