ATC seeks probe report in Matiullah Jan case, SSP summoned

ISLAMABAD, Apr 2 (APP):An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) of Islamabad on Thursday taken up the issue of a missing forensic report in the case against journalist Matiullah Jan, where charges include narcotics and terrorism.

The court expressed concern over the delay in the inquiry and sought an explanation from the police.

Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra heard the case and questioned why the investigation report into the missing forensic evidence had not been submitted. Earlier, the police had informed the court that the narcotics forensic report related to Matiullah Jan had gone missing. The court had then directed the SSP Investigation to conduct an inquiry and submit findings.

During the today’s hearing, no report was presented. The judge expressed concern over the lack of progress and summoned the SSP Investigation to appear in person at the next hearing.

Defense counsel Barrister Ahad Khokhar informed the court that the Supreme Court had restrained authorities from framing charges in the case. In response, the judge remarked that while the Supreme Court may have stopped the indictment, it had not barred the investigation into the missing report.

The court questioned why no inquiry findings had been submitted despite clear directions. Judge Sipra warned that if the report is not presented at the next hearing, or if the SSP fails to appear, arrest warrants may be issued.

The hearing was adjourned until April 16 for further proceedings.