ISLAMABAD: Senior journalist Matiullah Jan has announced his resignation from Neo News TV, days after a controversial event he organized at the National Press Club (NPC) triggered sharp backlash within sections of the media community.
My journey with the Neo News TV has abruptly come to an end. I want to thank my organization for all the help and facilitation during three and half years period. This is not the first time or the first government during which I have to face such a situation. Speaking for… pic.twitter.com/JMHM0BhiL7
— Matiullah Jan (@Matiullahjan919) April 27, 2026
Jan, known for his investigative reporting and outspoken criticism of government policies, hosted a dinner on April 25 for foreign journalists covering US–Iran diplomatic talks in Islamabad.
The NPC leadership had asked him to postpone the gathering as it coincided with an official Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MOIB) cultural event at the same venue. He proceeded nonetheless, delivering remarks alongside journalist Asad Toor that criticized press freedom restrictions, alleged harassment of journalists, and cases such as that of Advocate Imaan Mazari.
Critics accused Jan of misrepresenting the dinner as an official NPC event, misusing the club’s name and logo, and presenting a shield that allegedly featured an Indian flag. American journalist Caitlin Doornbos later said she felt “deceived” after the gathering shifted from professional networking to political criticism of the Pakistani state.
Did anyone ask the foreign journalists whose photos are now associated with this how they felt about it?
Personally, I feel deceived and used. I would have enjoyed learning more about the media landscape privately, but our images were blasted out in association with a political… https://t.co/lYZiI7TJ3L
— Caitlin Doornbos (@CaitlinDoornbos) April 27, 2026
The backlash was immediate. Pro-government commentators and NPC office-bearers condemned the event as unethical and damaging to Pakistan’s image, with hashtags such as #ShameOnMTJ trending online. Supporters defended Jan’s remarks as legitimate dissent, pointing to documented cases of journalist arrests, YouTube channel blocks, and prosecutions under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
On April 27, Jan announced on social media that his “journey with Neo News TV had abruptly come to an end,” thanking the organization for its support during his three-year association. He did not specify whether the resignation was voluntary or under pressure. His independent YouTube platform, Matiullah Jan TV, continues to operate.
The controversy underscores long-standing tensions at the NPC, which has historically been a venue for political activity, press conferences, and protests. Jan himself has been linked to reformist panels in club elections earlier this year. While critics labeled his remarks “sabotage” and “propaganda,” defenders argued that highlighting press freedom concerns to an international audience was part of a journalist’s duty.
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One of the most respectable name, a journalist with unmatchable integrity @Matiullahjan919 has been terminated by Neo News. Thank you Afzal Butt group you guys are once again successfully used to stab your fellow journalist and later under pressure of your masters Mati bhai… https://t.co/Fp1rWZURCw— Asad Ali Toor (@AsadAToor) April 27, 2026
The episode reflects the broader divide in Pakistan’s media landscape: one side viewing criticism of state policies as disloyal, the other insisting it is essential to safeguard journalistic independence.
