Journalist's abduction: IHC CJ says no society can progress by suppressing freedom of expression

(Karachi) Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Athar Minallah has said that no society can develop, prosper and progress by suppressing freedom of expression by ignoring impunity for crimes against the journalists.

Giving his remarks over a petition filed by Shahid Akbar pertaining to the abduction and release of his brother and journalist Matiullah Jan, the CJ observed, "Abduction or enforced disappearance of any citizen is one of the gravest offences and thus cannot be tolerated in a society that professes to be committed to upholding the rule of law."

Minallah mentioned that free speech is crucial for bringing about change, progress and prosperity. "The case is a challenge for the Federal Government and the public office holders of Islamabad.They have t demonstrate there is a political will to to put an end to impunity for crimes against citizens and to protect journalists from harm for exercising the right of free speech."

According to Akbar, his brother was detained in broad daylight when he was coming to pick his wife from a government school in Islamabad's G-6/3. “However, his wife found him missing when she came out from the school,” he apprised the court.

In his plea, he stated the doors of the vehicle were unlocked, with keys still in the ignition, and the cellphone of the missing journalist was also found under the car seat.

He said some abductors were in police uniform while vehicles used by them had official appearance.