Imran Riaz Khan, a prominent anchorperson and YouTuber was finally reunited with his family on Monday after a harrowing ordeal lasting nearly five months. District Police Officer Sialkot, Hassan Iqbal, confirmed Khan’s safe recovery, providing hope to his anxious well-wishers.
Imran Riaz Khan’s arrest
Imran Riaz Khan’s ordeal began on May 11 when he was arrested at Sialkot Airport under the 3MPO (Maintenance of Public Order) after widespread protests erupted across Pakistan following the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan from the Islamabad High Court on May 9. His arrest sent shockwaves through the journalistic community and raised concerns about press freedom.
Fortunately, Khan was released from the district jail on May 12, and the Lahore High Court (LHC) was informed on May 15 that he had been set free after providing a written undertaking. However, his subsequent disappearance casts uncertainty over his safety and whereabouts.
Also read: “We Will Give Good News In 10 To 15 Days Regarding Journalist Imran Riaz”, IG Punjab Assures LHC
The lawyer’s statement
With mounting pressure, the LHC gave the Punjab police chief a final ultimatum on September 20, mandating the recovery of Imran Riaz Khan by September 26. Thankfully, the efforts bore fruit as he was safely brought home, signaling a glimmer of hope for press freedom advocates and a welcome end to a troubling chapter in Khan’s life.
اللہ کے خاص فضل، کرم و رحمت سے اپنے شہزادے کو پھر لے آیا ھوں-
مشکلات کے انبار، معاملہ فہمی کی آخری حد، کمزور عدلیہ و موجودہ غیر مؤثر سر عام آئین و قانونی بے بسی کی وجہ سے بہت زیادہ وقت لگا- 🙏
ناقابل بیان حالات کے باوجود اللہ رب العزت نے یہ بہترین دن دکھایا اس وقت صرف بے پناہ… pic.twitter.com/z96M9pGaPZ
— Mian Ali Ashfaq (@MianAliAshfaq) September 25, 2023
Imran Riaz Khan’s return not only marks a personal victory but also serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding freedom of the press in any democratic society, where journalists play a vital role in holding power to account and ensuring transparency.
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