Immigration officials defy court order, prevent Imran Riaz from traveling

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 3 June 2024

Imran Riaz Khan, a journalist, was blocked from traveling for Hajj despite a court order lifting his no-fly status. This incident highlights ongoing issues in media freedom and judicial enforcement in Pakistan.

Summary

LAHORE—Prominent journalist Imran Riaz Khan, whose name was ordered to be removed from the no-fly list by the Islamabad High Court, was prevented from flying out for Hajj by immigration authorities.

The incident has raised concerns about the implementation of court orders and the treatment of media personnel.

Imran, known for his pro-PTI stance, was stopped at the airport by an immigration official who informed him that his name had not yet been updated in the system. This explanation came despite the court's clear directive to lift the travel ban imposed on him.

The journalist has a history of arrests and abductions linked to his support for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, adding another layer of controversy to the latest incident. His inability to embark on Hajj, despite having court clearance, has sparked outrage among his followers and raised questions about the enforcement of judicial decisions.

This event underscores the ongoing challenges faced by journalists in Pakistan. Media rights organizations have expressed concern over the frequent targeting of journalists and the apparent disregard for court rulings by authorities.