ISLAMABAD: Information minister Shibli Faraz on Tuesday said that it is the government’s responsibility to safely recover “kidnapped” journalist Matiullah Jan.
“It is responsibility of the Government to ensure safe recovery of Matiullah Jan and we will do it”, Shibli Faraz said while addressing a press conference, adding that he spoke to interior minister 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.”
Earlier, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) said that Jan’s family has reported him 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.
Journalist Ali Moeen Nawaz shared CCTV footage of the abduction, questioning the absence of “the law”.
CCTV footage showing the incident from another angle, was also shared, by journalist Rana Ali Zohaib.
Meanwhile, 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 well-being Matiullah Jan. 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.
