The Lahore High Court (LHC) has declared the plea for the recovery of television anchor Imran Riaz Khan ineffective after he returned home yesterday following his mysterious disappearance over four months ago. Riaz’s sudden appearance has left many wondering where he had been during his time off the radar.
Imran Riaz’s father had filed a case against his son’s abduction by unknown persons on May 16, invoking Section 365 of the Pakistan Penal Code. He had also approached the LHC for his son’s safe recovery. After the court gave Punjab’s Inspector General (IG) a final chance to find him, the Sialkot Police announced that he had been “recovered”.
During today’s hearing, lawyer Barrister Mian Ali Ashfaq argued that the application filed by Riaz’s father had become ineffective now that the anchorperson had returned home. The LHC Chief Justice, Muhammad Ameer Bhatti, asked Riaz’s father if his son had been found, to which he replied, “My son has been found, and it happened only because of you.” In response, Justice Bhatti humbly said, “I am nothing. Honor and dishonor are in the hands of God.”
Imran Riaz’s father expressed his gratitude to everyone who had worked for the recovery of his son during a press conference outside the court. He also thanked all those involved and exclaimed, “Pakistan Zindabad”.
Barrister Ashfaq shared that he had a detailed meeting with Riaz the previous night and revealed that his client was in a weak mental and physical state, having suffered a weight loss of 22kgs. He emphasized that they were trying to form a medical board consisting of specialized doctors who could assess Riaz’s health through necessary medical tests. Ashfaq also urged journalists and the public to respect the privacy of Riaz and his family.
Earlier in May, Riaz had been taken into custody under the Maintenance of Public Order regulations from the Sialkot airport when he was about to leave Pakistan. The arrest was made two days after the violent protests by PTI activists. However, Riaz was released after the Sialkot deputy commissioner withdrew the detention order.
The journey through the courts has been eventful, with Riaz’s father pleading for mercy in the LHC during a hearing in May, as the whereabouts of his son remained unknown. Eventually, the LHC ordered the police to recover and present the anchorperson. Several dates were set for recovery, with various agencies stating that Riaz was not in their custody. Finally, on September 26, the LHC stated that the plea for recovery was ineffective after Riaz reappeared.
In conclusion, the Lahore High Court has deemed the plea for the recovery of Imran Riaz Khan ineffective following his return. The court proceedings have raised questions about his mysterious disappearance, and efforts are being made to assess his physical and mental health. The privacy of Riaz and his family should be respected, as stated by Riaz’s lawyer.