Concerns mount over missing journalist Imran Riaz Khan

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 14 May 2023

Imran Riaz Khan, a notable Pakistani journalist, has been missing for over four days following his arrest. His disappearance has raised alarms within the journalism community and among his followers.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—In a worrisome turn of events, Pakistan's well-known journalist and YouTuber, Imran Riaz Khan, is still missing over four days after his arrest at Sialkot Airport. This alarming situation has triggered concerns among the journalist fraternity and millions of his followers.

On Saturday, Imran's attorney revealed that a plea had been sent to the court regarding the missing journalist and Aftab Iqbal, who had also been detained before. The attorney added that the police admitted Aftab Iqbal was detained during court hearings but claimed to have released Imran Riaz without being aware of his location.

The judge expressed his displeasure and gave the police and prison personnel the order to appear in court on Monday with all pertinent documents, including any CCTV evidence pertaining to Imran's release.

The judge underscored that the police would be held accountable for their acts if any inconsistencies were discovered.

Imran Riaz and Aftab Iqbal are both known to support the PTI, and as a result of their ties to Pakistan's most well-liked political party, there have been rumors that they are being targeted. The judge ordered the immediate release of Aftab Iqbal.

Imran Khan, the head of the PTI and a former prime minister expressed his worries at the time, saying he feared Imran Riaz might be tortured or perhaps killed. Imran Khan continued, "I know where he is," making the claim that the same people responsible for the death of journalist Arshad Sharif are also engaged in this case.

Popular analyst Mooed Pirzada tweeted amid numerous allegations that Imran Riaz may be in Lahore with the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and that there are unconfirmed indications that he may be gravely hurt and in a vegetative state.

Imran Riaz Khan's mysterious disappearance has sparked a wave of anxiety among his large following of fans and fellow journalists, increasing the need for answers and prompt action to ensure his safety and well-being.

KEY POINTS:

• Imran Riaz Khan was arrested at Sialkot Airport and has been missing for four days.
• Concerns heightened after the attorney filed a plea regarding his whereabouts.
• The police claimed ignorance of his location after his supposed release.
• Judge ordered police accountability and demanded court appearance with relevant documents.
• Imran Khan expresses fears for Riaz's safety, linking the situation to past journalist killings.