Journalist Imran Riaz Khan's Updates
The controversial Pakistani journalist and political
commentator, Imran Riaz Khan, remains missing since his arrest at Sialkot
International Airport. Neither his family nor the police have any information
regarding his location.
Nearly two weeks ago, a brief video circulated on social
media, showing Imran Riaz Khan being escorted out of the airport by a group of
police officers. With over three million YouTube followers, the 47-year-old
commentator has not made any public appearances since then, leaving his family
and the authorities clueless about his whereabouts.
Usman Riaz Khan, Imran's 32-year-old brother, disclosed
that on May 11, the day the video was recorded, Imran was en route to Oman.
This decision came after the police raided his house in Lahore the previous
day, prompting him to flee Pakistan. Usman claimed, "My brother fearlessly
presented political analysis in his 16-minute videos, always speaking the truth.
That's why he was apprehended."
Speaking from Lahore, Usman further stated that their
family was informed by Punjab police sources that Imran had been taken to the
police station after his arrest at Sialkot airport. "When we inquired, the
police stated that they released him that same night. They also claimed that he
left with an unidentified group of people, and they have no further information
about him," Usman explained. He added that his brother did not have any
pending legal cases against him.
However, Imran's father filed an official complaint with
the police, alleging that CCTV footage from the police station depicted his son
being "kidnapped" by "four to five masked men" after his
release.
Azhar Siddique, the family's lawyer, criticized Imran Riaz
Khan's arrest, highlighting the absence of charges against him anywhere in the
country. "Despite lacking grounds to detain him, the authorities are
attempting to delay and hinder the process," Siddique expressed to Al
Jazeera. He confirmed that the family intends to file an appeal.
Usman Riaz Khan revealed that during a court hearing on
May 22, 11 days after his brother's airport arrest, the police consistently
denied having custody of Imran Riaz Khan. "The Inspector General informed
the court that he needs three more days to locate my brother, and the next
hearing is scheduled for Thursday. Our entire family is traumatized. My father,
who suffers from diabetes, cannot even discuss this matter," Usman stated.
He added, "Except for the eldest daughter, we haven't informed the other
three children about their father's absence and the reason he isn't home."
Government
Efficiency
For more news
Punjab Police Inspector General Usman Anwar confirmed on
Tuesday that Imran Riaz Khan was not in police custody and declined to provide
further details due to the ongoing court case. "He is not with us. The
matter is sub judice. He is not involved in any case," Anwar conveyed via
a phone message to Al Jazeera.
Punjab's Interim Information Minister, Amir Mir, also
denied Imran Riaz Khan's detainment. "The Punjab police chief responded to
the court. The matter is being handled there, but we have no information about
Imran Riaz Khan, and he is not in our custody."
In a television interview on Monday, Interior Minister
Rana Sanaullah Khan stated that if evidence of Imran Riaz Khan's kidnapping
surfaces, the government will take action against the perpetrators. "We
have consulted intelligence and investigation agencies, and they have confirmed
that he is not in their custody," he asserted.
Federal Information Minister Marriyam Aurangzeb condemned
any illegal actions against individuals while questioning Imran Riaz Khan's
journalistic credentials. "Imran Riaz Khan is a spokesperson for a
political party. We must differentiate between journalists and those who join
political parties and incite violence. Do not confuse them with journalists who
report the news," the minister informed the United Kingdom's Channel 4
News.
The
Khan Controversy
Imran Riaz Khan, a YouTuber and commentator, possesses a
controversial reputation. Through his videos and statements, he is perceived to
be closely aligned with former Prime Minister Imran Khan (no relation) and his
political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
The video of Imran Riaz Khan being escorted from the
airport emerged two days after the former prime minister's arrest on corruption
charges. The arrest triggered widespread violent protests across the country,
leading the government to authorize the establishment of military courts to
prosecute protesters involved in attacking military installations under
stringent army and official secrets acts. During the protests, at least ten
people died, and over 4,000 individuals were arrested on charges of vandalism
and rioting.
Prior to the former PM's removal from office in April
2022, Imran Riaz Khan staunchly supported the military and its actions against
journalists. However, his pro-military stance changed soon after.
Imran Riaz Khan was arrested by authorities twice in July
2022 and February 2023 on sedition charges. In both instances, he was released
within a week, and the charges were subsequently dropped.
Press
Freedom
Reporters Without Borders (RSF), an international
organization advocating for media freedom, condemned the "abduction"
of Imran Riaz Khan. The RSF expressed its belief that Pakistan's intelligence
agencies are involved in the incident.
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