A Pakistani anti-terrorism court granted bail Saturday to journalist Matiullah Jan, who was arrested while investigating claims of casualties during protests demanding former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s release, his lawyer confirmed.
“He should be home by this evening,” attorney Imaan Mazari said in a text message. Jan, known for criticizing military influence in Pakistani politics, faces terrorism and narcotics charges after being detained Wednesday night.
The arrest came hours after Jan appeared on television questioning the government’s denial of using live ammunition against protesters. The Committee to Protect Journalists had expressed “grave alarm” over what it called Jan’s “abduction” and demanded his immediate release.
The detention occurred amid conflicting accounts of casualties during this week’s protests in Islamabad by thousands of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party supporters. While the government reported four security officers killed by protesters, the PTI claimed hundreds of demonstrators were shot and between eight and 40 killed.
The government has repeatedly denied using deadly force against protesters. Police and the information ministry have not responded to requests for comment on Jan’s detention.
