"It took a long time due to the pile of difficulties."
Pakistani journalist Imran Riaz Khan has reunited with his family after going missing for over four months.
He returned home in the early hours of September 25, 2023, and Sialkot Police released a statement.
The statement read: “Journalist/Anchor Imran Riaz Khan has been safely recovered. He is now with his family.”
The news was shared all over social media and many individuals shared their relief and gratitude that Imran was home safe and well.
A photograph was shared of Imran, looking visibly weaker and sporting grey hair and a beard to match.
Dressed in a red T-shirt, Imran is smiling but netizens can see a distant look in his eyes.
It was reported that Imran was arrested two days after violent protests broke out across Pakistan following PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9, 2023.
He was last known to be taken to Cantt police station after his arrest and later to the Sialkot prison.
On May 15, a law officer told the Lahore High Court (LHC) that the anchorperson was released from jail after taking an undertaking in writing.
Four days after his alleged arrest, his father Muhammad Riaz filed an FIR which claimed that his son had been arrested.
After his disappearance, the Punjab police chief was handed an order by the Lahore High Court and it was stated that they had until September 26, 2023, to find and release Imran Riaz into the safety of his family.
Following his release, Imran’s lawyer also gave a statement in which he spoke of his relief to have Imran back home safely.
The statement read: “By God’s special blessings, grace and mercy, I have brought back my prince. It took a long time due to the pile of difficulties.
“The last frontier of understanding, a weak judiciary, the current ineffective public constitution and legal helplessness.”
“Despite the unspeakable circumstances, Allah Almighty has shown us this best day. There is only limitless gratitude right now.”
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Journalist Wajahat Khan revealed he has spoken to Imran’s family since his release and they told him Imran was weak and not in the best of health, but they were grateful he was home amongst his loved ones.
Lawyer Khadija Siddiqi said: “Latest modus operandi of brazenly silencing voices of dissent seems to have failed miserably!
“Citizens of Pakistan must not be antagonised by our own state!”
Meanwhile, the PTI has called for the release of all political prisoners under “illegal incarceration”.
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