Lahore bar awards lifetime membership to Imran Riaz

Anchorperson becomes first from media fraternity to be given membership in lawyers' association

LAHORE:

The Lahore Bar Association (LBA) awarded lifetime membership on Wednesday to anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan in recognition of his "bravery... for raising his voice for human rights without worrying for his life".

This is the first time a journalist has been granted membership of a lawyers' association.

Addressing the LBA, Riaz said, “You can forcefully silence people, but you can never change their thoughts."

He said those sitting inside offices don't make decisions, the people make their own decisions.

LBA president Rana Intizar Hussain said that Riaz was the first journalist in history to be granted lifetime membership.

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"The judicial system of Pakistan has completely failed in dispensing justice to the public," Hussain maintained.

He also demanded resignations from the chief justices (CJs) of the Supreme Court (SC), and the Lahore High Court (LHC) "over their failure to ensure justice for the people".

On September 25, Riaz returned home safely after going missing for more than four months.

Sialkot police, in a post on social media platform X confirmed the news, saying: “Journalist/anchor Mr Imran Riaz Khan has been safely recovered. He is now with his family.”

Separately in a post on X, his lawyer Ashfaq said: “By God’s special blessing, grace, and mercy, I have brought back my prince."

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) also confirmed Imran's return, saying: "He is one of many names suffering from enforced disappearances."