Imran Riaz Khan: A Journalist's Ordeal Ends After Four Months

Imran Riaz Khan, a prominent Pakistani journalist and YouTuber, has finally returned home safely after being missing for over four months. His disappearance had sparked widespread outrage and concern among the media fraternity, civil society, and human rights activists, who demanded his immediate recovery and an end to the practice of enforced disappearances in Pakistan.

Who is Imran Riaz Khan?

Imran Riaz Khan is a senior journalist who has worked with several private TV channels in Pakistan, including Express News, GNN, and Samaa TV. He is also a popular social media influencer, with more than 4 million subscribers on his YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaszgR2TH3qNw_CxLHAd2SQ, where he posts videos on current affairs, politics, and history. He is known for his outspoken and critical views on the government, the military, and the establishment.

What happened to him?

Imran Riaz Khan went missing on May 11, 2023, after he was reportedly arrested by the police while fleeing from Pakistan due to fear of political repression. His arrest came two days after he uploaded a video on YouTube, in which he directly addressed the army chief and alleged that he was threatened after asking questions from military sources about the country's situation. He also claimed that he had information about a foreign-backed conspiracy to overthrow the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

His arrest was widely condemned by the opposition parties, journalists' associations, civil society groups, and international human rights organizations, who called it a blatant violation of freedom of expression and press. They also expressed concern over his safety and well-being, given the context of enforced disappearances targeting critics, dissenters, and journalists in Pakistan. According to Amnesty International, more than 1,500 people have been subjected to enforced disappearances in Pakistan since 2014.

How did he recover?

After more than four months of silence and uncertainty, Imran Riaz Khan finally recovered and reunited with his family on September 25, 2023. The news of his recovery was confirmed by the Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr. Usman Anwar, the Sialkot District Police Officer Hassan Iqbal, and his lawyer Mian Ali Ashfaq. However, no details were given about where he was kept, who abducted him, or why he was released.

His recovery was welcomed by his colleagues, friends, fans, and supporters, who expressed relief and happiness over his safe return. They also demanded an investigation into his disappearance and accountability for those responsible. They also urged the authorities to ensure the protection of journalists and their right to freedom of expression in Pakistan.

Conclusion

Imran Riaz Khan's ordeal is a stark reminder of the challenges and risks faced by journalists in Pakistan, who often have to pay a heavy price for speaking truth to power. His recovery is a victory for the media fraternity and civil society, who raised their voice for his cause and did not let him be forgotten. His case also highlights the need to end the practice of enforced disappearances in Pakistan, which is a grave violation of human rights and a threat to democracy.