Senior journalist Matiullah Jan has been granted bail by an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad, following his arrest in a drug-related incident.

The bail was set at Rs. 10,000, as Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra presided over the hearing.

During the proceedings, Jan’s lawyer sought urgent consideration of the bail application, while the court allowed the prosecution time to prepare its case.

The judge expressed concerns regarding the integrity of journalism, criticizing the growing sensationalism in media practices and the conduct of some prosecution representatives.

Matiullah Jan was arrested late Thursday night at the I-9 checkpoint under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 1997 and various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

According to the police report, he allegedly struck a constable with his vehicle when instructed to stop, and is accused of stealing a government weapon and threatening the officer while allegedly intoxicated.

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The court’s decision to grant bail reflects ongoing concerns about the treatment of journalists in Pakistan.