On the night of Thursday, journalist Imran Riaz Khan was arrested at his residence in Lahore, marking a significant development in a case involving his alleged role in inciting hatred against Supreme Court judges. The arrest followed a summons issued by the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cybercrime Wing, which had asked him to appear at the FIA Lahore office at 11 am the next day.
This event is not the first instance of Imran Riaz Khan facing adversity. In May of the previous year, he was subject to an abduction by unidentified individuals, and the mystery surrounding his whereabouts persisted until his unexpected return home in September.
The current arrest is a result of an ongoing investigation into a social media campaign targeting judges of the Supreme Court. Reports indicate that the primary suspect in this campaign has already been apprehended, further underscoring the authorities’ commitment to addressing the issue and holding those responsible accountable.
Journalist Asad Toor, too, has come under the FIA’s scrutiny, having been issued a notice for the same offense. This suggests a broader investigation into individuals allegedly involved in activities contributing to the propagation of animosity against Supreme Court judges on various online platforms.
The circumstances surrounding Imran Riaz Khan’s arrest raise questions about freedom of the press and the challenges faced by journalists in Pakistan. The nature of the allegations and the summoning of another journalist, Asad Toor, signal a heightened focus on curtailing activities deemed detrimental to the reputation and authority of the Supreme Court, reflecting the government’s commitment to maintaining public trust in the judiciary. As developments unfold, the case may shed light on the delicate balance between freedom of expression and legal boundaries in the realm of journalism in Pakistan.
