October 31, 2025
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has once again expressed serious concern over the fabrication of a drug trafficking case against senior investigative journalist, Matiullah Jan, demanding its immediate quashment.
In a joint statement on Friday, PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari expressed outrage over the authorities’ egregious attempt to silence Matiullah Jan through abduction and detention.
Circumstances surrounding Matiullah’s abduction by unidentified persons
The PFUJ leaders slammed the Islamabad city (ICT) police for pursuing what they are saying is a frivolous case – despite the passage of nearly a year – in a clear bid to muzzle Matiullah Jan’s journalistic endeavors.
“The charges against Matiullah Jan are nothing but a malicious attempt to undermine his credibility and impede his investigations. We demand that these baseless charges be withdrawn or quashed forthwith,” they stated.
The PFUJ urged the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Chief Justices of the Supreme Court and Islamabad High Court to take immediate cognizance of this grave injustice and direct the police authorities to quash the FIR. The PFUJ demands that the government take concrete measures to ensure the safety and security of journalists and allow them to work without fear or intimidation.