Imran Riaz Khan, a popular YouTuber and television anchor in Pakistan, has finally returned home after being missing for over four months. Riaz’s disappearance occurred shortly after violent protests erupted across the country following the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan on May 9.
Riaz was last seen being taken to Cantt police station after his arrest and later transferred to Sialkot prison. On May 15, a law officer informed the Lahore High Court (LHC) that the anchorperson had been released from jail after giving a written undertaking.
The LHC had given the Punjab police chief until September 26 to recover Riaz, setting it as a “last opportunity” during the hearing on September 20. However, in a social media post on Monday, the Sialkot police announced that the journalist/anchor had been safely recovered and reunited with his family.
Riaz’s lawyer, Ashfaq, also shared the good news on social media, expressing gratitude for his safe return. He acknowledged the challenges they faced during the recovery process due to difficulties, a weak judiciary, and inefficiencies in the legal system.
While Riaz is back with his family, reports indicate that he is in a weakened state and not in the best of health. However, his return has been met with joy and relief by his loved ones as well as fellow journalists and politicians in Pakistan.
Hammad Azhar, a leader of the PTI, stated that the entire nation was rejoicing over Riaz’s return. Lawyer Khadija Siddiqi called it a “positive sign” and emphasized that silencing voices of dissent must not be tolerated.
This development comes after a long and arduous search for Riaz. Following his disappearance, an FIR was lodged against unidentified persons and police officials for his alleged abduction. The LHC had repeatedly demanded his recovery, and various agencies, including the Military Intelligence and Inter-Services Intelligence, denied having custody of Riaz.
Now that Riaz is finally home, there are calls for the release of all political prisoners who are under “illegal incarceration.” The PTI urges the enforcement of law and justice in such cases.
Despite the challenges faced, Riaz’s safe return brings hope that the efforts to silence dissenting voices will fail. It serves as a reminder that the citizens of Pakistan should not be subjected to injustice by their own state.
Timeline:
– May 9: Imran Riaz Khan arrested after protests following Imran Khan’s arrest.
– May 15: Riaz released from jail after giving a written undertaking.
– September 20: LHC gives Punjab police chief a last opportunity to recover Riaz by September 26.
– September 26: Riaz is safely recovered and reunited with his family.