LAHORE: Imran Riaz Khan, a prominent Pakistani TV show host, political commentator, and YouTuber, has been apprehended by the police in connection with an attack on law enforcement personnel outside Zaman Park. The police presented Riaz, who was already in the custody of the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) in a graft case, in an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) seeking his physical remand.
Physical remand for Imran Riaz Khan?
The hearing, presided over by ATC Judge Naveed Iqbal, witnessed the presence of Imran Riaz’s lawyers, including Asad Manzoor Butt, Azhar Siddique, and Mian Ali Ashfaq. The police sought Riaz’s physical remand in connection with the Zaman Park attack, but as of now, Judge Naveed Iqbal is yet to issue a decision on the remand petition.
This recent development comes on the heels of a judicial remand approval for Imran Riaz Khan in a corruption case by a district and sessions court in Lahore on Feb 23. The ACE had sought a 14-day physical remand in the corruption case related to a contract concerning Dharabi Lake in Chakwal, which was allegedly acquired at an inflated price, causing losses to the national exchequer.
In a recent development, the Human Rights Council issued a statement, acknowledging the arrest while expressing concerns over what appears to be a trend of curbing freedom of expression through legal cases. The council emphasized the need to uphold the principles of human rights, especially when dealing with individuals whose opinions might differ from the mainstream.
Adding to the discourse, X (formerly known as Twitter), Human Rights Council of Pakistan shared a tweet criticizing the arrest of Imran Riaz Khan
صحافی عمران ریاض خان کی ایک اور کیس میں گرفتاری تشویشناک اور قابلِ مذمت ہے۔ اختلاف رائے رکھنے والے صحافیوں کو طاقت اور جبر سے دبانے کی کوششیں مذموم ہیں۔ عمران ریاض خان ساڑھے چار مہینے سے زیادہ لاپتہ رہے ہیں اور انکے اہل خانہ شدید کرب کی کیفیت میں رہے ہیں۔ ہیومن رائٹس کونسل آف…
— Human Rights Council of Pakistan (@HRCPakistan) March 1, 2024
Imran Riaz Khan’s arrest in the Zaman Park attack case adds another layer to the legal challenges he is currently facing. Known for his controversial political commentary and having experienced previous detentions, this arrest is anticipated to raise discussions about the intersections of media, politics, and legal accountability in the country.
As the ATC hearing unfolds, the legal proceedings and the nature of charges related to the Zaman Park attack will likely shape the trajectory of Imran Riaz Khan’s legal standing in the coming days.