The Lahore High Court (LHC) has decided to postpone proceedings for a week in the petition seeking the recovery of missing anchorperson Imran Riaz.
This decision came after the Punjab police chief assured the court that the investigation was making "positive progress." Imran Riaz, a YouTuber and television anchor, was arrested shortly after violent protests erupted nationwide following the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan on May 9.
His whereabouts became unknown after being taken to Cantt police station and later to Sialkot prison. On May 15, it was reported that Imran Riaz was released from jail after providing a written undertaking. Imran Riaz was one of several journalists taken into custody following the May 9 protests.
An FIR (First Information Report) regarding his alleged abduction was filed on May 16 by his father, Muhammad Riaz, against "unidentified persons" and police officials, citing Section 365 of the Pakistan Penal Code related to kidnapping or abduction. The journalist's father had also filed a plea in the Lahore High Court for his son's recovery.
During the previous hearing on September 6, the Punjab Inspector General (IG) Dr. Usman Anwar had expressed confidence in the case's "positive progress" and suggested that there might be "good news" in the next 10 to 15 days. Consequently, the hearing was adjourned to the present day.
Today, Justice Bhatti inquired about the case's progress from the Punjab IG in court, where Imran Riaz's father and his lawyer, Mian Ali Ashfaq, were present. The Punjab IG reassured the court that they were "going in the right direction" with the investigation, and the petitioner's lawyer confirmed the same. As a result, the hearing was adjourned until September 20.
Imran Riaz's father, speaking to the press outside the court, expressed his desire to see his son again, despite the authorities' assurances of progress. He appreciated the ongoing efforts and expressed his gratitude while emphasizing his hope for his son's safe return.