Senior journalist Matiullah Jan goes missing from Islamabad

Senior journalist Matiullah Jan went missing after some unidentified people abducted him in Islamabad, confirmed his wife on Tuesday.

Initial report : @Matiullahjan919 has gone missing. Unknown people pick him up. Wife confirms pic.twitter.com/sWUwXLKN21

— Azaz Syed (@AzazSyed) July 21, 2020

In one of the tweets, a video was shared in which his car could be seen from which he was picked up by the abductors. It is said the incident occurred outside the G-6-1/3, Islamabad Model School for Girl’s where his wife works.

This is the vehicle of @Matiullahjan919 which he used last - he was forcefully picked up from in front of G-6-1/3 ,Islamabad Model School for Girl’s (where his wife works). مطیع اللہ جان یہ گاڑی استعمال کر رہے تھے کہ انہیں لاپتہ کر دیا گیا ۔ pic.twitter.com/pDQsZfOwFI

— Azaz Syed (@AzazSyed) July 21, 2020

Reacting to the news, the Amnesty International expressed serious concern over the fate and wellbeing of Matiullah. “He has been the subject of physical attacks and harassment for his journalism. The authorities must establish his whereabouts immediately,” it stressed.

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

— Amnesty International South Asia, Regional Office (@amnestysasia) July 21, 2020

As soon as the news was broken, a strong reaction was seen on social media as people said if a renowned journalist like Matiullah Jan could be disappeared then what hope is there for ordinary people.

If a renowned senior journalist like @Matiullahjan919 can be disappeared then what hope is there for ordinary people? @ImranKhanPTI must realise Pakistan is not China or Saudi. We have a vibrant civil society. Don’t mistake Resilience for blind Acceptance #ProduceMatiullah https://t.co/2duoLBGfAc

— Sulema Jahangir (@sj244) July 21, 2020

There were others who declared this incident unacceptable and demanded his immediate release.

The enforced disappearances of #MatiullahJan is not acceptable. #FreeMati@RSF_inter @CPJAsia @amnestysasia @hrw @HRCP87 @ImranKhanPTI @shireenmazari1

— Murtaza Solangi (@murtazasolangi) July 21, 2020

Matiullah Jan is reported missing. Such acts of desperation will not prolong this fascist era. Hope and pray he is well.

— Abbas Nasir (@abbasnasir59) July 21, 2020

Media: Release Journalist Matiullah Jan immediately! - Sign the Petition! https://t.co/IT8rJs2Lhf via @Change

— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) July 21, 2020

HRCP demands immediate release of Matiullah Jan

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) endorses the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ)'s demand for the federal government to take immediate measures for the safe release of senior journalist Matiullah Jan.

“We are deeply concerned at increasing attempts to control the media, suppress independent voices, and curb political dissent, thereby creating an environment of constant fear. Matiullah Jan has stood courageously by the people of Pakistan striving to realise their constitutional and fundamental rights. It is the responsibility of the government to provide safety and security to every citizen, irrespective of his or her religious or political beliefs.”

Jan's abduction is an act of cowardice and warrants immediate redressal, said the HRCP.