Abducted journalist Matiullah Jan returns home safely in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Journalist Matiullah Jan, who was abducted on Tuesday afternoon, has returned safely home, according to his family.

Jan had been kidnapped from outside his wife's school and remained missing for about 12 hours.

The journalist was supposed to appear before the Supreme Court this week in relation to a contempt of court case based on an allegedly contemptuous tweet by him.

According to Geo News correspondent Azaz Syed, Jan was dropped off at about 11pm on Kohat Road near Fateh Jung.

The correspondent quoted Jan as saying that he had been kept blindfolded and driven around for quite some time. He was then taken to an unknown location. Later, he was handed over to his brother.

Jan is currently with his brother who has taken him to his own residence.

Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry expressed his "delight" at the good news. "Welcome back," he wrote.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) had quoted Jan's family as saying that he has gone missing.

In a tweet, the commission demanded the government ensure the "safe recovery" of the journalist after reports emerged that he had gone missing in Islamabad.

Jan's wife said, in an interview with the Independent Urdu, that his car was found outside her school in Islamabad's G-6 area with the keys still inside. "I have been told some people forcibly took away my husband," she said.

After news of his abduction surfaced, information minister Shibli Faraz said that it is the government's responsibility to safely recover Jan. 

Faraz, while addressing a press conference, said that he spoke to interior minister Brig (retd) Ijaz Shah about the incident and that "it is confirmed that [Jan] has been kidnapped".

"I don't have the complete details right now [...] we are trying hard to locate his whereabouts," he said, adding: "It is the government's responsibility to ensure his safe recovery and it will fulfil this responsibility."

Shah said he had no information regarding the disappearance of Jan.

"Have no clue [about senior journalist Matiullah Jan's alleged abduction]," he said, responding to Geo News' query seeking updates on Jan's abduction.

Islamabad Police Chief Aamir Zulfiqar, meanwhile, said: "Police is investigating the matter. But there is no update yet."

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) ordered the immediate release of the abducted journalist.

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah issued the orders after Jan's brother filed a complaint. Notices were issued to the interior secretary, and Islamabad's chief commissioner and inspector general of police (IGP) to respond in the matter.

"If he is not recovered by tomorrow, the respondents must appear in person before the court," said the order.

Human rights minister Shireen Mazari said she had been informed of the kidnapping. "Have taken note and spoken to the IG Islamabad who informed me they are looking into it. Very disturbing," she said.

Rights organisations voice concern

Following the incident, the International Press Institute (IPI) issued a statement, expressing outrage at the incident.

“We fear that Mutiullah Jan’s life is in danger, and immediate steps must be taken to locate him and ensure his release from his apparent kidnappers”, IPI Deputy Director Scott Griffen said. “Given the history of violence against journalists in Pakistan, the authorities cannot delay in seeking to protect Jan’s safety.”

Amnesty International South Asia, also expressed concern about the "fate and wellbeing" of Jan.

"We are extremely concerned for the fate and wellbeing of@matiullahjan919. He has been the subject of physical attacks and harassment for his journalism. The authorities must establish his whereabouts immediately. #ReleaseMatiullah," tweeted the human rights organisation.

PML-N condemns 'attempt to silence' media

PML-N condemned the abduction of the journalist.

"Matiullah Jan was constantly making efforts for the freedom of the press and his hearing with the Supreme Court, regarding alleged contempt of court, was also due for tomorrow," PML-N stalwart Khawaja Asif said.

"Taking him into custody at this time is an attempt to silence the voice of the media," Asif said, adding that PML-N has always and will continue to support freedom of speech in the country.

PPP chairman demands govt 'ensure safe return'

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With additional reporting by Zahid Gishkori in Islamabad.