The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday suspended the physical remand of senior journalist Matiullah Jan in the First Information Report (FIR) filed at Islamabad’s Margalla police station, which includes anti-narcotics and anti-terrorism provisions. .
IHC Chief Justice Aamir Farooq and Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir delivered the verdict on Thursday in response to a plea challenging the two-day physical remand of John by the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC).
The development comes a day after the journalist was arrested by the Islamabad Police from E-9 outpost for allegedly assaulting the police, forcibly snatching their weapons and threatening them while under the influence of drugs. From which “ice” was allegedly recovered. His car too.
The FIR registered against him includes CrPC Sections 279 (speeding or riding on a public road), 353 (assault or criminal force to prevent a public servant from performing his duty), 382 ( death, injury or theft after preparation for prevention) are included. for committing theft) 427 (malicious loss of fifty rupees), 506 (criminal intimidation) with 7ATA (section relating to terrorism) and a section relating to drugs.
During today’s hearing, John’s lawyer Iman Zainab Mazari, Hadi Ali Chatta and IHC Bar Association President Rashtat Ali Azad appeared in the court.
While reading the FIR, Advocate Azad argued that there is no mention of sale and purchase of “ice” in the said document.
The court accepted the plea and said that the journalist should now be considered for judicial remand.
This is a developing story and will be updated with more details.