Senior anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan has been arrested by the Cyber Wing of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The latest arrest of the renowned anchorperson has sparked mass condemnations from political figures and the country’s media fraternity.
According to the details, Imran Riaz Khan was arrested from Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport as he was leaving for the United Arab Emirates. His luggage was also seized.
Earlier, he was also informed by authorities that his name was “blacklisted” and he can’t leave the country. The FIA cybercrime wing has shifted Imran Khan to Gulberg from Lahore airport. He will be produced before the FIA court today.
Read more: Police looking to arrest anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan
It is unclear why Imran Riaz Khan was taken by FIA, however, his arrest comes on the same day as Sheikh Rashid’s arrest.
Pakistan’s media fraternity has strongly condemned the arrest of anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan as it is a violation of media freedom.
“I strongly condemned the arrest of journalist/anchor Imran Riaz Khan, just wonder what government or the State would achieve with such actions. The policies of persecution and arrest have historically proven counterproductive. Time to learn from historic mistakes and not repeat them,” journalist Mazhar Abbas said.
I strongly condemned the arrest of journalist/anchor #ImranRiazKhan just wonder what government or the State would achieve with such actions. The policies of persecution and arrest historically proven counter productive. Time to learn from historic mistakes not to repeat it.
— Mazhar Abbas (@MazharAbbasGEO) February 2, 2023
“I condemned the arrest of many journalists when Imran Khan was in power. I condemn the arrest of journalists when Shehbaz Sharif is in power. The latest arrest of Imran Riaz Khan is shameful,” Hamid Mir said.
I condemned arrest of many journalists when @ImranKhanPTI was in power. I condemn arrest of journalists when @CMShehbaz is in power. Latest arrest of Imran Riaz Khan is shameful. @RSF_inter @CPJAsia @FreedomofPress https://t.co/GIc9vnN1sr
— Hamid Mir حامد میر (@HamidMirPAK) February 2, 2023
“Pakistan has never experienced anything even remotely similar to this since the martial law of Gen. Zia (1977 – 1980 period was marked for brutality) – Washington was silent then and is silent now! One wonders why?” Moeed Pirzada said.
Pakistan has never experienced anything even remotely similar to this since the martial law of Gen. Zia (1977 – 1980 period was marked for brutality) – Washington was silent then & is silent now! One wonders why? @RSF_en @hrw @nytimes https://t.co/enKxkoaYUJ
— Moeed Pirzada (@MoeedNj) February 2, 2023
PTI leaders also condemned the arrest of journalist Imran Riaz Khan.
“Sheikh Rashid arrested. Imran Riaz was arrested. Politicians imprisoned. Journalists jailed. Terrorists are walking free,” PTI senior leader Asad Umar said.
شیخ رشید گرفتار. عمران ریاض گرفتار. سیاست دان قید. صحافی قید. دہشت گرد آزاد پھر رہے ہیں
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) February 2, 2023
“Will arresting journalists like Imran Riaz Khan fix the economy or help address the terrorism incidents that are on the rise in Pakistan? This Imported Government has gone nuts and if this arrogant & egoistic attitude continues, Pakistan will sink into its own quicksand,” Ali Haider Zaidi said.
Will arresting journalists like @ImranRiazKhan fix the economy or help address the terrorism incidents that are on the rise in Pakistan?
This #ImportedGovernment has gone nuts and if this arrogant & egoistic attitude continues, Pakistan will sink in its own quicksand.— Ali Haider Zaidi (@AliHZaidiPTI) February 2, 2023
Pertinent to mention that this is not the first time anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan has been arrested. Last year, the journalist was also taken into custody by the contingents of Rangers and police from Islamabad Toll Plaza. Later, he was granted bail by the Lahore High Court.
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