A Pakistani journalist, known for his outspoken criticism of the military's involvement in politics, was apprehended in an alleged corruption case in the city on Friday. This comes months after his release following his involvement in unprecedented assaults on military installations last year.
Imran Riaz Khan, a popular TV anchor and YouTuber, was placed in judicial custody for 14 days, asserting that his arrest was based on false charges. He has been a vocal supporter of imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan.
Khan and his father stand accused of involvement in a contract related to Dharabi Lake in Chakwal at an inflated price, as per the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) of Punjab.
Earlier in the day, a significant police force raided Khan's residence and detained him in connection with the case filed by the ACE, Punjab.
Addressing the media, Khan claimed his arrest was unjust and laid blame on the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) for his predicament.
"My wrists are shackled as a sign of homage to Queen Maryam Nawaz, who is set to assume the role of Punjab chief minister. This appointment comes after the theft of the people's votes," he remarked.
He continued, "Pakistan will not remain in this state forever. Many journalist colleagues advise me to leave the country, but I intend to stay in Pakistan for as long as I am alive."
In May 2023, Khan was reportedly detained by security agencies two days following the assaults on military installations by members of the imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. He was subsequently released in September 2023.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan had expressed concerns for Khan's safety, citing his staunch criticism of the military and his support for him.
Meanwhile, footage of Khan's arrest circulated widely on social media.
The PTI party demanded Khan's immediate release, condemning his arrest and citing his prior "enforced disappearance" and "custodial torture" at the hands of the authoritarian regime. They highlighted Khan's consistent opposition to the regime's abuses and unlawful activities, particularly his condemnation of electoral fraud that deprived Imran Khan's PTI of its two-thirds majority mandate.
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