ISLAMABAD (MNN); In a significant development in the narcotics and terrorism case against senior journalist Matiullah Jan, a forensic report submitted to the Islamabad High Court on Thursday stated that the substance allegedly recovered from him was not a prohibited drug.
The case, registered at Margalla Police Station on November 28, 2024, accused Jan of snatching a government-issued rifle, ramming a vehicle into a police barrier and possessing narcotics. The legal action had sparked strong criticism from journalist bodies and human rights organisations, which alleged he was being targeted for reporting on claimed deaths during law enforcement operations against PTI protesters in November 2024.
A division bench comprising Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Justice Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas heard the case in a packed courtroom. During proceedings, Islamabad police presented a laboratory analysis prepared by the Punjab Forensic Science Agency.
According to the report, the material allegedly recovered from Jan did not contain methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice”. Observing the legal implications of the findings, the bench questioned how narcotics charges could stand in the absence of a prohibited substance and referred the matter back to the trial court for further proceedings.
The courtroom was filled with lawyers, political activists and journalists showing solidarity. Former senator Farhatullah Babar was also present. Advocate Rai Hanif Rahi and journalist Saqib Bashir informed the court that the case had been pursued as though Jan were a drug trafficker.
A day earlier, an Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court had dismissed Jan’s plea challenging its jurisdiction and fixed February 19 for framing of charges.
Following the hearing, Jan posted on X that allegations of narcotics smuggling against him had been proven false. He said the court directed the prosecution to submit a supplementary charge-sheet in light of the forensic findings.
Jan expressed gratitude to his legal team, including Advocate Imaan Mazari and Advocate Hadi, as well as Barrister Abdul Qadeer and others who represented him before the high court. He also thanked political figures who termed the case fabricated soon after it was registered.
The case dates back to November 28, 2024, when Jan’s son claimed on social media that his father had been abducted from the parking area of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad. Authorities later confirmed that an FIR had been lodged, alleging Jan possessed 246 grams of methamphetamine when his vehicle was intercepted in E-9.
He was initially sent on physical remand by an Anti-Terrorism Court, but the high court later transferred him to judicial custody. On November 30, 2024, he was granted bail and released from Adiala Jail.
The FIR invoked provisions of the Control of Narcotic Substances Act 1997, the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 and multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code relating to obstruction, assault, theft, mischief and criminal intimidation.
