The Inspector General of Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar has confirmed that anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan, who was missing for more than four months is now “safe at home”. Sialkot District Police Officer Hassan Iqbal and Riaz’s lawyer, Mian Ali Ashfaq, also verified this development.
Imran Riaz, a YouTuber and television anchor, was apprehended two days after the widespread violent protests, which erupted across the country following the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan on May 9. After his arrest, he was taken to Cantt police station and subsequently to Sialkot prison. On May 15, a legal officer informed the Lahore High Court (LHC) that Riaz was released from jail after providing a written undertaking.
On September 20, the LHC had given the Punjab police chief a final chance to locate Riaz by September 26 (tomorrow). In a post on X, the Sialkot police announced, “Journalist/anchor Mr. Imran Riaz Khan has been safely recovered and is now with his family.”
Simultaneously, his lawyer Ashfaq, in a post on X, expressed, “By God’s special blessing, grace, and mercy, I have brought back my prince. It took a considerable amount of time due to numerous challenges, limited understanding of the matter, a fragile judiciary, and the current ineffectiveness of the public constitution and legal support.”
Sanity prevailed
“Glad that sanity prevailed,” remarked journalist Moeed Pirzada, attributing Riaz’s return to the persistence of the LHC chief justice, despite being aware of the realities. He called for the release of others who were detained in the aftermath of the May 9 violence, particularly women, and urged the nation to work towards a solution and national healing.
PTI leader Hammad Azhar expressed the nation’s collective joy over Riaz’s return. Journalist Wajahat S Khan, having spoken to Riaz’s family, mentioned that the anchorperson was in a weakened state and not in the best of health but has returned.
Meanwhile, the PTI called for the release of all political prisoners held under “illegal incarceration,” emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and common sense.
