Breaking News: Imran Riaz Safe Return
In a significant development, after more than four months, senior journalist Imran Riaz Khan finally returned home on Monday morning. Sialkot police confirmed this on social media, stating, “Journalist Imran Riaz Khan safely reunited with family”.
The long-road to Imran’s Return
His lawyer Ashfaq, in a post on X, expressed relief, stating, “By God’s grace, I brought back my prince.” He acknowledged the lengthy process due to challenges like a “weak judiciary” and the constitution’s current state, exacerbating legal helplessness.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) Stance
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), a prominent political party, also confirmed Imran’s return and highlighted the issue of enforced disappearances in the country. They stated that Imran Riaz Khan was just one of many individuals who had gone missing under similar circumstances. In a strong statement, the PTI urged the release of all “political prisoners and prisoners of conscience” currently held in what they referred to as “illegal” incarceration.
Notably, journalist Wajahat Khan spoke to Imran’s family and reported that Imran was in a weakened state and not in the best of health. This raises concerns about the conditions he may have endured during his disappearance.
The Lahore Highcourt’s Ultimatum
During the last hearing of Imran’s case in the Lahore High Court (LHC), Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. Usman Anwar received a final opportunity to produce the journalist in court by September 26. In response, the IG told the court that a joint working group meeting would occur shortly. He asked for more time, explaining that they had formed the working group in accordance with the LHC’s order and that they would soon meet with the intelligence chief.
IG Anwar’s Perspective
In the previous hearing, IG Anwar voiced optimism about the case’s progress, stating it headed in a promising direction. The petitioner’s counsel suggested an imminent major development.
Background on Imran Riaz Khan
Imran Riaz Khan,an anchor/ Journalist, was arrested on May 11 by police after May 9 riots. His safe return offers hope, but challenges in enforced disappearances and Pakistan’s legal system persist.
