The physical remand of journalist Matiullah Jan has been challenged in the Islamabad High Court, with his lawyer, Advocate Iman Mazari, filing a petition against the two-day remand granted by the Anti-Terrorism Court. The petition argues that Jan’s arrest is based on a "false and fabricated case," and calls for an immediate hearing to contest the remand. Advocate Mazari emphasized the urgency of the matter, stressing that if the petition is not heard today, it may lose its effectiveness. This came after the Islamabad court, in a reserved verdict yesterday, approved the two-day physical remand of Jan.

Jan, who was arrested on November 28 at the E-9 check post in Islamabad, was presented before Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra in the Anti-Terrorism Court. During the hearing, Prosecutor Raja Naveed had requested a 30-day physical remand, claiming that the police needed time to recover “ice” (a type of drug) from Jan. The bizarre request caused laughter in the courtroom, with the defense attorney, Advocate Faisal Chaudhry, strongly opposing the remand. Chaudhry requested more time for consultation, but the court ultimately decided to approve the two-day remand, leaving the decision on a longer remand pending.

The charges against Jan include hitting a police constable, Mudassar, with his vehicle at the E-9 checkpoint and threatening him with a firearm while allegedly under the influence of alcohol. According to the FIR, Jan also allegedly stole the constable’s weapon during the altercation. Jan's arrest and the subsequent remand have sparked controversy, with his legal team insisting that the case against him is politically motivated. As the legal proceedings unfold, the Islamabad High Court is expected to review the petition challenging his physical remand.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan