Anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan, a popular YouTuber who had been missing for more than four months, has been confirmed “safe at home.”
The IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar announced this on Monday, which was corroborated by Sialkot District Police Officer Hassan Iqbal and Imran’s lawyer, Mian Ali Ashfaq.
Imran was apprehended two days after violent protests erupted nationwide following the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan on May 9.
He was last seen at the Cantt police station and later transferred to Sialkot prison. On May 15, a legal officer informed the Lahore High Court (LHC) of Imran’s release after providing a written undertaking.
The LHC had given Punjab’s police chief until September 26 (tomorrow) to recover Riaz, as of September 20.
The Sialkot police took to social media (referred to as “X,” formerly Twitter) to announce Riaz Khan’s safe recovery, stating, “Journalist/anchor Mr. Imran Riaz Khan has been safely recovered. He is now with his family.”
Simultaneously, Riaz’s lawyer, Ashfaq, also shared the good news on social media, expressing gratitude for this fortunate turn of events.
Ashfaq acknowledged that the recovery process was protracted, citing various obstacles, including daunting challenges, limited judicial progress, an ailing legal system, and public frustration.
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The safe return of Imran Riaz Khan is a significant development that highlights the challenges within the legal and judicial system and emphasizes the need for greater efforts to address issues and heal the nation. Moeed Pirzada, a journalist, commended the LHC chief justice’s persistence in ensuring Imran Riaz’s recovery.
Pirzada expressed relief and called for the release of others who were detained in connection with the violence on May 9th, especially women.
He stressed the importance of national healing and urged everyone to work together towards finding a solution. Unity and resolution are important in the face of adversity.
