Senior journalist Imran Riaz Khan, who was missing for more than four months, returned home safely on Monday morning.
The police in Sialkot confirmed this news on X. They said, “Journalist and anchor Mr. Imran Riaz Khan has been safely found. He is now with his family.”
Separately, his lawyer Ashfaq shared on X, “Thanks to God’s blessings and mercy, I have successfully brought back my friend.”
Ashfaq also mentioned that it took a long time to secure his return due to various challenges, including problems with the legal system and the current state of the constitution.
The political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) also confirmed Imran’s return and stated that he was one of many individuals who have experienced enforced disappearances. They called for the release of all political prisoners and those unjustly detained.
Journalist Wajahat Khan, who spoke to Imran’s family, reported that Imran is not in the best of health and appears weak.
During the last court hearing at the Lahore High Court (LHC), the Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. Usman Anwar was given one last chance to produce the journalist in court by September 26.
The IGP explained that a joint working group meeting would be held soon, and he needed more time. He also mentioned that the working group had been formed as per the LHC’s order, and a meeting with the intelligence chief was scheduled for that day.
During the previous hearing, IG Anwar informed the court that, as directed, he had met with the petitioner and updated him and his counsel about the developments in the case.
IG Anwar expressed optimism, stating that the matter was heading in a positive direction. At that time, the petitioner’s counsel had also informed the court that a significant development might occur soon in the case.
Imran Riaz Khan, an anchorperson and a strong supporter of the ousted Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and his policies, was arrested on May 11, reportedly by the police, following the events of May 9 riots.
