New York, Oct 28 (NationPress) Human Rights Watch (HRW), a US-based advocacy organization, has raised alarms regarding the impending indictment of journalist Matiullah Jan, recognized for his investigative reporting on police misconduct, by Pakistan's anti-terrorism court on October 31. They characterized the allegations as “politically motivated”.

The advocacy group urged Pakistani authorities to promptly dismiss the “unfounded” accusations against Jan under various provisions of the nation’s 1997 Anti-Terrorism Act and for supposed narcotics possession.

HRW pointed out that in recent years, Pakistani journalists have encountered significant barriers to their work, including harassment, threats, assaults, arbitrary arrests and detentions, enforced disappearances, and even killings. There has been escalating pressure on editors and media owners to suppress critical journalism, the HRW noted.

As per the rights organization, Pakistani authorities have initiated approximately 689 cases in 2025 alone under the excessively broad 2016 Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, frequently targeting journalists, in addition to using the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Furthermore, it was reported that television channels that criticize the government have faced signal interruptions during the airing of opposition events.

Patricia Gossman, associate Asia director at HRW, stated, “The prosecution of Matiullah Jan by the Pakistani authorities seems to be a heavy-handed effort to silence critical journalism. The government must withdraw the charges and cease weaponizing the criminal justice system against journalists fulfilling their duties.”

Numerous local and international journalists along with civil society organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, International Federation of Journalists, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, and Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, have called upon the Pakistani government to drop all charges against Jan.

HRW emphasized the importance of the Pakistani government conducting swift, unbiased, and effective investigations into recent attacks and questionable prosecutions of journalists.

The rights organization urged the Pakistani government to amend or revoke laws and policies that infringe upon the right to free expression and media freedom.

Moreover, authorities should cultivate an environment conducive to public discourse and free expression, especially amidst threats from extremist factions and government representatives.

Gossman stressed, “The Pakistani government must halt the harassment and unjust prosecutions of journalists, ensuring they can report without fear of retaliation. Authorities should appreciate the societal value of those covering human rights issues rather than attempting to silence them.”