Social media activist goes missing

Arsalan has worked with different media organisations over the years

KARACHI:

Karachi-based social activist and journalist Arsalan Khan has gone missing. The family claimed that “unknown persons” have “abducted” him from his residence in the wee hours of Friday.

Arsalan, who is active on social media especially on Twitter, has worked with different media organisations over the years.

One of his friends told The Express Tribune that during the drive against the missing persons’ recovery, Arsalan was helping the families. He said that the journalist was involved in such kind of ‘activism’.

Senior Superintendent Police for South District Asad Raza categorically denied when asked if police had taken Arsalan into its custody. “No, he is not in our custody.”

Raza said that police have not investigated the missing persons case. “The family has not approached us as yet,” he said, adding that the FIR will be registered in case the family approaches the police.

SP Clifton Rohail Khoso said that the complaint will certainly be received by the police in case the family approached the police station.

According to Arsalan’s family and friends, “unknown persons” entered his house located in Clifton and after a brief investigation took him away without sharing with the family any reasons.

Arsalan has two kids, including a 14-year-old son and a nine-year-old daughter.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Arsalan’s wife Ayesha said that 10 to 12 persons entered their house before Fajr prayer. “Two were in civil dress and others were in Rangers’ uniform,” she explained.

She denied if there were any threats hurled to her husband, adding that the persons in uniform also took Arsalan’s mobile and national identity card into their possession.

“I am at police station,” Ayesha said. “Police is not ready to register our complaint,” she said.

Amnesty International South Asia also issued a statement, expressing concern about Arsalan’s alleged disappearance.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 25^th, 2022.