Matiullah Jan, a prominent critic of Pakistan’s military, faces charges after uncovering hospital records that challenge the official narrative of protester deaths

A prominent Pakistani journalist, Matiullah Jan, was arrested and charged with terrorism after investigating claims of casualties during a protest march demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Jan, known for his critical stance on Pakistan’s military influence in politics, was detained on Wednesday night by men in black uniforms as he was collecting data on the casualties at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad.

Hours before his arrest, Jan had appeared on a television show where he read from what he claimed were hospital records contradicting the government’s official denial of the use of live ammunition during the crackdown on protesters. According to Jan, these records revealed that protesters had been killed, a claim the government had previously rejected.

Jan’s colleague, Saqib Bashir, who was with him at the time, reported that the pair was blindfolded and forcibly taken away. Bashir was later released after three hours, but Jan remains in custody. The arrest has drawn widespread condemnation from media freedom advocates, who have raised concerns over the growing pressure on journalists in Pakistan, especially those investigating sensitive issues such as the treatment of political protests.

The charges against Jan come amid increasing tensions between the media and the government, as authorities seek to control the narrative around the ongoing protests and the imprisonment of Imran Khan. Jan’s arrest is seen as part of a broader crackdown on journalists who challenge the government’s stance on critical issues, particularly the handling of Imran Khan’s legal battles and the protests demanding his release.

Jan has previously been a vocal critic of the military’s role in shaping Pakistan’s political landscape, making him a target for authorities who view his reporting as hostile to their interests. His arrest follows a series of similar incidents involving journalists, sparking fears about the erosion of press freedom in Pakistan.

As the investigation into the protest casualties continues, Jan’s detention has raised alarms about the government’s increasing efforts to stifle independent journalism and suppress dissenting voices.