Social media activist Arsalan Khan released by Sindh Rangers

Arsalan Khan was taken on Friday by 'unknown persons', Rangers later confirmed his arrest

KARACHI:

Karachi-based journalist and social media activist Arsalan Khan, who was reported missing, was released by the Sindh Rangers early morning on Saturday.

In a statement, the paramilitary force confirmed that Arsalan was arrested by them and was subsequently released. According to the statement, the Rangers arrested Arsalan - known on Twitter as AK-47 –  from the Clifton area of Karachi and claimed that he was "in contact with a terrorist group".

“The initial investigation has revealed that the suspect has allegedly been in contact with a terrorist group and received financial assistance”, the statement claimed.

The paramilitary force stated that as the crime was a ‘clear white-collar’, it was handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation.

Moreover, it maintained that Arsalan had been instructed to “co-operate in future investigations”.

Sindh Rangers statement following the release of journalist and social media activist Arsalan Khan. PHOTO: EXPRESS

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Taking to his Twitter handle, the social activist confirmed his return and thanked “everyone for all the help and support” extended to his family.

I'm back home safe & sound. Thank you everyone for all the help & support you people extended to my lone family in this testing time. I'm truly short of words. Love you all ❤️

— AK-47™© (@AK_Forty7) June 24, 2022

“I’m truly short of words. Love you all”, he wrote.

His spouse, Ayesha, confirmed to The Express Tribune that Arsalan was dropped outside their residence at approximately 4 am.

“He is fine but not completely well," she said, adding that her husband was released after 24 hours.

“He was taken into custody at around 4 am on Friday and was released at the same time on Saturday," she said further.

Earlier on Friday, Arsalan went missing, and his family claimed that “unknown persons abducted” him from his residence.

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. 

Senior Superintendent Police for South District Asad Raza had categorically denied that the activist was arrested by the police.