On Monday, Punjab Inspector General Dr. Usman Anwar informed the Lahore High Court (LHC) that Imran Riaz Khan, the anchorperson who was detained at the Sialkot airport on May 11, is still missing and that no record of his detention at any police station across the nation has been located.
The top police officer of the province informed the high court when it was hearing a petition seeking the recovery of the journalist. The Punjab police were given a chance to present Imran Riaz in court today at the previous hearing by the LHC. They continue to fail to carry out the directives, though.
Imran Riaz was one of many people detained following the violent protests that broke out on May 9 after PTI Chairman Imran Khan was taken into custody in the Al-Qadir Trust case.
Unknown people and police officers were accused of kidnapping Imran Riaz in a case filed against the missing anchorperson at the Civil Lines police station.
LHC Chief Justice Muhammad Ameer Bhatti asked about the status of the case during today’s hearing. The journalist was not wanted by the police, according to the Punjab IG, who also stated that no signs of him had been found at any of the police stations.
He further said agencies had asked for a police van. At which, the judge remarked he could summon the agencies for their response.
IG Usman Anwar asked the court to seek a response from the secretaries of the interior and defence ministries, adding that the same should be directed to assist the police. He said the Punjab police had also reached out to the Ministry of Interior but had yet to receive a reply.
After hearing the top police officer, the judge gave another chance to him to present the missing anchorperson in court and warned of holding all responsible parties accountable if any harm befell Imran Riaz.
Justice Bhatti said he would issue an order for today’s proceedings.
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