US Congressman Eric Swalwell has raised concerns about journalist and anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan, who has been missing since May 11.
To clarify, Eric Michael Swalwell is an American lawyer and politician serving as the U.S. representative for California’s 14th congressional district since 2023. Between the 116th Congress and 117th Congress, Congressman Swalwell secured over $23 million in Community Project Funding to support 24 local projects across the district.
Eric Swalwell strongly champions democracy, human rights, and equality. Therefore, he wrote a letter to the US Ambassador of Pakistan, asking for updates on the arrest and whereabouts of journalist and anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan.
Read more: US Congressman condemns human rights violations in Pakistan
“Freedom of the press is a bedrock principle that binds our nations and people together. I remain committed to strengthening the US-Pakistan relationship and look forward to discussing the issue with the Ambassador,” Eric Swalwell said in his statement.
— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) June 19, 2023
Later, he attended a gathering organized by the Pakistani community in Dallas, Texas. He acknowledged the Pakistani diaspora as an important part of the community, saying that he cares about what happens in Pakistan.
“We are so proud of the Pakistani roots that we have in our district. What happens in Pakistan matters…I do care about what happens over there,” Congressman Eric Swalwell said, addressing the Pakistani community in Dallas.
Congressman @RepSwalwell while talking to Pakistani community in Dallas Texas said he wrote to Pakistani Ambassador asking about Imran Riaz Khan whereabouts.
Congressman has been very vocal on current Human Rights violations and recently spoke to Chairman Imran Khan as well.… pic.twitter.com/My0M84agLN— Atif Khan (@akhan4pakistan) June 20, 2023
Anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan, who is a staunch and vocal supporter of the PTI Chairman Imran Khan and his policies, was arrested by the police on May 11 from Sialkot Airport. The journalist was reportedly arrested for allegedly inciting violence during clashes between security forces and PTI supporters.
The whereabouts of journalist and YouTuber Imran Riaz Khan remain unknown over a month after he went missing. His family said Imran Riaz was arrested from the airport in Sialkot by the Punjab police. They also said the police failed to produce him in front of the court, saying he was released shortly after the arrest. However, his whereabouts still remain unknown.
Read more: Preserving press freedom: US urges Pakistan to allow journalists to do their work