Matiullah Jan stands tall amongst a huge lot of journalists by taking a principled stand against judicial and constitutional crisis in Pakistan.

Matiullah Jan is one of the few Pakistani journalists who has practiced journalism on his principles. He questioned what many feared. Mati was almost always at odds with the journalists, lawyers, government officials, military men and the secret agents. He wouldn’t leave anyone from whom he wants an answer. And he wouldn’t leave a question unanswered what many would dare to question.

In a shocking development, Matiullah Jan was arrested last week. Interestingly, the charges weren’t only unreal; they were also too shady. The constables of Islamabad Police held Matiullah Jan and they registered a case of drugs against him. Moreover, they shared quiet a filmy FIR, the First Information Report, depicting a dramatic turn of events during the arrest.

The police says that they tried to stop Matiullah Jan. However, Mati took over the gun from police and tried to overpower the force at the E-9 check post. Moreover, the police found him under influence of drugs. However, the police could not share any proof of the incident or the held drugs from Mati. Most importantly, it is a regular practice that medical tests of persons under influence of alcohol or drugs are immediately conducted. In the case of Matiullah Jan, these tests were not performed at all. Thus, it clearly shows the intent of Islamabad Police was to arrest Mati on whatever possible grounds.

While the legitimacy of charges remain a question on Islamabad Police. The character of Mati comes high against the criminal actions of the State. He has shown the courage of standing against the State. By all means, Mati has come up as a Symbol of Freedom of Speech in Pakistan.