Punjab IG promises ‘good news’ as LHC gives police till Sept 13 to find anchorperson Imran Riaz
LAHORE ( Web News )
Riaz’s whereabouts remain unknown since his arrest at the Sialkot airport on May 11 — two days after violent protests broke out across the country following PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9. He was last known to be taken to Cantt police station after his arrest and later to the Sialkot prison.
Riaz was among a number of journalists who were taken into custody following the May 9 protests.
Subsequently, a first information report (FIR) of Riaz’s alleged abduction was registered with Sialkot Civil Lines police on May 16 on the complaint of the anchorperson’s father, Muhammad Riaz.
The journalist’s father also filed a plea in the Lahore High Court for his recovery.
LHC Chief Justice Muhammad Ameer Bhatti took up the plea today and was informed by the Punjab IG that “positive progress” had been made in the case.
“We will give good news in the next 10 to 15 days,” he said, urging the court to give them more time to find Riaz.
“You want more time?” asked Justice Bhatti.
“Give us 10 more days, and we will deliver good news,” replied IG Anwar.
At that, the judge remarked, “There should be some progress as well.”
The court eventually granted police time till September 13 to find Riaz.
The LHC also requested the request by the petitioner’s lawyer for a meeting with the Punjab IG and directed the official to meet Riaz’s father and legal team at 5pm today.