Outspoken TV anchor narrates story of his kidnapping to police

Senior journalist and TV anchor Matiullah Jan on Thursday recorded his statement to the police about his kidnapping, torture in custody and his release.

Jan told the police that his kidnappers blindfolded him after abduction and then beat him up. He said that he asked for water and he was given water and then offered tea. Later, he said, his kidnappers took him to a deserted place on the outskirts of Islamabad and released him there.

Police said they have obtained CCTV footage of the incident and are trying to identify the men involved in Jan’s kidnapping with the help of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).

Jan was kidnapped by five armed men wearing black uniform in Islamabad on Tuesday when he was out to pick his teacher-wife from school.

A strong reaction from the opposition political parties, rights groups and media organisations made the prime minister and superior courts take notice of the incident. Some political parties, rights activists and media persons pointed finger at state institutions and strongly criticised the incumbent PTI government over the incident. As a result, Jan was released later on Tuesday evening.