IHC suspends ATC decision on Matiullah Jan's physical remand

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 29 November 2024 |  JP Staff Report

The Islamabad High Court suspended the ATC's decision to grant a physical remand for journalist Matiullah Jan. His legal team is preparing to file a bail application.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has suspended the Anti-Terrorism Court's (ATC) decision granting a two-day physical remand of senior journalist Matiullah Jan, ruling that he be considered under judicial remand.

The case was heard on Friday by a bench comprising IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir. Matiullah Jan’s legal team, represented by advocates Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha, appeared before the court alongside Islamabad High Court Bar Association President Riasat Ali Azad.

During the proceedings, Riasat Ali Azad read the First Information Report (FIR) aloud in court, highlighting that it did not mention any allegations involving the sale or purchase of crystal meth (commonly referred to as "ice").

The ATC had previously approved a two-day physical remand for Matiullah Jan, allowing police custody for further investigation. Speaking at the IHC hearing, Jan’s lawyer, Imaan Mazari, confirmed plans to file a bail application in the appropriate court.

The court’s decision has brought temporary relief for Matiullah Jan, who was taken into custody earlier this week under controversial circumstances.