Popular anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan safely returned to his home after a mysterious disappearance spanning almost five months, District Police Officer of Sialkot, Hassan Iqbal, confirmed.
On May 11, Khan was taken into custody at the Sialkot Airport under the 3MPO directive in the aftermath of nationwide protests spurred by the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan at the Islamabad High Court.
Following his arrest, Khan was seen departing in a private vehicle after his release from the district jail on May 12. Three days later, the Lahore High Court (LHC) was informed that the journalist had been set free after a written undertaking.
His whereabouts remained unknown for months, leading the LHC to request the Punjab police head on September 20, mandating Khan’s recovery by September 26.
Sialkot police, through a post on platform X (previously known as Twitter), announced, “Journalist/anchor Mr Imran Riaz Khan has been safely recovered. He is now with his family.”
Official Statements on Khan’s Return
Khan’s attorney posted on X, conveying relief and gratitude, “By the divine grace and mercy of God, I have brought back my prince.” He expressed his frustrations about the prolonged ordeal, attributing it to many challenges, including an overwhelmed judiciary and the current state of the public constitution. Ending his statement on a hopeful note, he added, “Despite the dire circumstances, we’ve been blessed to witness this day. Boundless gratitude is all that remains.”
