Journalist Imran Riaz Khan arrested at Airport before his Hajj travel
Uniformed and non-uniformed officers arrested famous journalist Imran Riaz Khan from the Lahore International Airport. Imran Riaz was at the airport to perform the pilgrimage (Hajj) and had a court permit to travel for it.
This arrest came after the court allowed him to go on a holy journey for Hajj 2024 in Saudi Arabia. Imran Riaz Khan seemed to be wearing an ihram (pilgrimage dress)- when authorities arrested him. However, Pakistani authorities arrested him before even he could board the flight.
The official team of Imran has confirmed his arrest news. It posted on Twitter X that a group of officers wearing uniform and without uniform arrested Journalist Imran Riaz Khan in Ihram despite court orders.
His team also claimed that officers mistreated Imran Riaz by pushing him rudely. Meanwhile, Imran Riaz kept reciting Labik Allah (praying phrase) in a loud voice while officers forced him to sit in a black vigo.
However, Imran Riaz recorded a video depicting his viewpoint about ongoing legal actions against him. He said he would not stop speaking the truth, no matter its cost. But, he also wants to remain alive.
Imran emphasized he would not leave the country as many well-wishers advised him. He said he had a painful time, especially in the last 2-3 months, due to dozens of fake cases against him. He wanted to go on Hajj in 2022, but he could not due to cases, arrests, and enforced disappearance.
As soon as the arrest news of Imran Riaz appeared on social media, it went viral and made staunch supporters of the journalist angry. They are condemning the unjust and illegal arrest and demanding his immediate release.
Netizens are also questioning the validity of the judiciary over such illegal arrests which challenges the state writ. The authorities have not mentioned the charge on which they arrested him.
Imran Riaz is well-known for his critical and bold opinions on the Pakistani military and government. He usually speaks on touchy and sensitive matters of the country. Massive Pakistanis encourage him for his unique critical journalistic manner. Hence, he has a large fan base.
Following his long series of legal and illegal proceedings against him, his supporters and journalists are expressing serious concerns over freedom of speech. Renowned journalist Hamid Mir strongly condemned the arrest of Imran Riaz.
Click here to read the updates on Imran Riaz Khan getting a lifetime membership by Lahore Bar
However, it is significant to note that this arrest has come for the third time since 2022. FIA arrested him on Feb 23, 2024, for his alleged involvement in the anti-judiciary campaign on social media.
Earlier, Imran Riaz was forcibly disappeared from Islamabad Airport by unknown armed officials in May 2023. His case became mysterious due to no official case against him.
The government could not trace his presence despite court orders. However, he returned after four months in September 2023 and was in bad condition. His first arrest came in June 2022 for several charges, including defamation, public mischief, and crime acts.
Read More:
- Former journalist Syed Abdullah Hassan died in Karachi at 40
- Pakistanis can now travel from Pakistan to China through a bus
- Pakistani man arrested in New York in alleged plan to kill Jewish people
- Pervaiz Musharraf’s family property auctioned for INR 1.38 Crore in UP
- FBR announced tax card for salaried employees. Here all you need to know
- LHC ordered removal of Lt. General Munir Afsar as NADRA Chairman
Share this content:
Post Comment