Orya Maqbool Jan granted bail after contentious FIA arrest

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published last year |  JP Staff Report

LAHORE—Prominent political analyst and columnist Orya Maqbool Jan, who was arrested by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in August for expressing dissent over the Mubarak Sani case, was granted bail by the High Court.

Leading lawyer Mian Ali Ishfaq, who represented Orya, made the announcement via social media platform X. He stated, "Alhamdulillah! After more than eight hearings in the High Court, arguments completed twice, decision reserved, and then arguments completed again, Orya Maqbool Jan's bail has been granted."

Mian Ali further criticized the case, highlighting the lack of evidence or valid arguments against his client. He added, "The person who, out of malice, repeatedly caused trouble and resorted to coercion will be exposed by Orya Maqbool Jan himself."

Orya's arrest, which reportedly occurred without prior notice or summons, sparked outrage across the journalistic community, raising serious concerns about the misuse of authority and threats to freedom of expression.