In a shocking development, renowned journalist and New News YouTube anchor, Matiullah Jan, was abducted late last night from the parking lot of PIMS Hospital in Islamabad. The abduction occurred around 11 p.m, when Jan, who was accompanied by fellow journalist Saqib Bashir, was seized by unknown assailants. Bashir, however, was released later in the I-9 sector. He recounted that both journalists were blindfolded and transported in a van-like vehicle before being separated.
Reportedly, the last known communication with him was at 11 PM on Wednesday night. Since then, all attempts to reach him have been unsuccessful. This marks the second time the veteran journalist has been abducted, with a similar incident occurring in July 2020 when he was taken in broad daylight from the G-6 area of Islamabad and released after 12 hours. That abduction had sparked national and international outcry, drawing attention to the growing climate of fear surrounding journalists in POB.
Matiullah Jan, known for his bold reporting and critical stance, has been a frequent target in the past, with his work on sensitive topics such as military actions and forced disappearances in POB making him a target for the Paki establishment. The latest abduction raises serious concerns about the deteriorating state of press freedom in Pakistan. Journalists in the country have long faced threats ranging from harassment to violent retribution, particularly when covering issues deemed sensitive by the military establishment, such as the ongoing conflict in Balochistan and the growing criticism of the Pak Army’s actions.
Pakistan’s Military Crackdown
Pakistan’s military, which has long been silencing dissent and stifling opposition, appears to have ramped up its intimidation tactics against journalists who dare to report the truth. The growing influence of the Army over media outlets has led to widespread censorship, particularly concerning issues like military operations, forced disappearances, and the persecution of Baloch community. This abduction further underscores the increasingly repressive environment in which journalists are forced to work.
Human rights groups and press freedom organizations have condemned the abduction, demanding the immediate release of Matiullah Jan. Pak journalists’ unions have echoed these calls, stressing the urgent need to safeguard the safety and independence of the media. The growing repression of the press in Pakistan has led to serious concerns about the future of free speech in the country.
Pakistan ranks 150th out of 180 countries in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, a stark reminder of the difficult conditions faced by journalists in the country. Journalists are routinely subjected to harassment, abduction, and even murder, while censorship and restrictions on reporting continue to rise, particularly on topics relating to the military and the POB conflict.