No sign of Matiullah Jan at Margalla Police Station: Lawyer Imaan Mazari

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 28 November 2024 |  JP Staff Report

Matiullah Jan remains missing after his reported abduction from PIMS. His lawyer shared details of her unsuccessful search at the Margalla police station.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—Lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir revealed on Thursday that she visited the Margalla police station in search of journalist Matiullah Jan but was unable to locate him there.

Matiullah Jan, along with fellow journalist Saqib Bashir, was reportedly abducted on Wednesday night from the parking area of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). While Saqib was released shortly after, Matiullah’s whereabouts remain unknown.

"After repeatedly requesting access to our client, Matiullah Jan, the police at Margalla Police Station finally allowed us entry," Imaan shared in a post on X (formerly Twitter). She added that during her visit, she inspected the lock-up and spoke to detainees, who confirmed that the police had taken Matiullah Jan shortly before her arrival. "He is missing," she stated.

The incident has raised concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists in Pakistan.

KEY POINTS:

• Matiullah Jan was abducted from the parking area of PIMS.
• Saqib Bashir was released shortly after the abduction.
• Lawyer Imaan Mazari was unable to locate Jan at Margalla Police Station.
• Detainees confirmed that Jan was taken by police shortly before Mazari's visit.
• The incident highlights ongoing concerns about journalist safety in Pakistan.