Court releases Matiullah on bail

ISLAMABAD. The Anti-Terrorism Court in Islamabad released senior journalist Matiullah Jan on bail on Saturday, his lawyer said.

Jan was released around 6:00 pm (1300 GMT) after “his bail was allowed”, Mazari told AFP.

The hearing presided over by Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra on Saturday, included the submission of a copy of the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) order. The court also completed the process of sending Matiullah on judicial remand.

The Matiullah’s lawyer made a request for bail, and the judge noted that the prosecution should be prepared for further proceedings. Judge Sipra also expressed concern over the state of journalism, saying, “It is disgraceful when a prosecutor accuses a journalist of consuming illicit substances. Should we also claim that journalists sell their thoughts?”

IHC Bar Association President Riasat Ali Azad and Jan’s lawyers Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha appeared before the court. The court overruled objections to the petition and suspended the ATC’s decision, which had granted a two-day physical remand of the journalist. The IHC directed that Matiullah Jan be deemed on judicial remand. The hearing of the case was adjourned till Monday.