Anchor Imran Riaz Khan arrested
Anchor Imran Riaz Khan has been arrested from Islamabad toll plaza.
The prominent journalist with a big social media following has been arrested despite pre-arrest bail by the Islamabad High Court.
Imran has released this pre-recorded video in which he says he will reveal the names of all those including agencies who have been harassing him. The video will be released, he says, in case his arrest lasts more than 5 hours.
In a video of his arrest, he says “it doesn’t matter whether they arrest or murder me”, adding that other “journalists should continue to do their job without fear.”
The journalist was earlier harassed by the Pakistani intelligence sector commander Lahore Brigadier Rashid Naseer.
“Especially brigadier Rashid, this is what you could do… Want to have experience of arresting me. Do this as well.”
In addition to the cancellation of his NOC for a bullet-proof vehicle, 10s of FIRs have so far been registered against the journalist in multiple cities of Pakistan, but ironically with the same text.
The weapon licenses he had were also revoked by the Deputy Commissioner of Lahore.
In a video posted on Monday, Imran talked directly to the Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.
Khan complained he was being intimidated by the Sector Commander of Lahore Brigadier Rashid Naseer.
He claims that numerous agencies are being ordered to harass me despite the fact that he has everything clear, and that the authorities are aware of this.
Khan says he’s being told not to speak in opposition to the new PDM government he alleges is involved in corruption. This, he claims, was told to him by the same intelligence agencies who once proved the PDM parties corrupt & dangerous to Pakistan.
A few days ago, senior journalist & analyst Ayaz Amir was beaten by unknown men following his speech at a seminar where he referred to military Generals are property dealers.
In condemnation of the arrest, former PM Imran Khan tweets, “I strongly condemn the arbitrary arrest of @ImranRiazKhan by Punjab police tonight. The country is descending into fascism just to make our nation accept an Imported Govt comprising of mega crooks. It is time for everyone, esp the media, to unite & stand up against this fascism.”
