Syed Mohammed Askari, a senior reporter for Daily Jang, has safely returned home after going missing in Karachi, as confirmed by a colleague on Monday. Askari had disappeared late Saturday night after attending a wedding, prompting allegations that he was “abducted by policemen and plain-clothes men” for unknown reasons. His fellow reporter at Daily Jang, Saqib Sagheer, confirmed Askari’s safe return and mentioned that Askari contacted him at 3 am, informing him he was home.
Askari, however, was reportedly dropped off near Sohrab Goth without his mobile phone and wallet.
Circumstances of the Disappearance
According to Daily Jang News Editor Ali Kamran, Askari was intercepted by a police van and another white vehicle near Baloch Colony around 12:15 am while returning home with a teenager from a wedding in Mehmoodabad. The teenager, although not abducted, had his mobile phone taken away. He relayed the events to Kamran, who subsequently contacted senior police officials.
Despite identifying himself, Askari was allegedly treated roughly by the unidentified men who then forcibly took him away, Kamran added.
Response to the Incident
At a press conference in Karachi, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon mentioned that he had discussed the incident with the additional inspector general of police and the administration of Jang. He assured that they were searching for any clues to shed light on the whereabouts of Askari and who was responsible for his disappearance.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan also condemned the alleged “abduction,” demanding Askari’s immediate release and critiquing the state’s commitment to democracy and its ability to withstand criticism and opposition.
