Anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan sent on judicial remand

Defence identifies more than a dozen loopholes in the case during the proceedings

LAHORE:

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore has sent well-known anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan on judicial remand, rejecting his counsel's plea for discharge.

The anchorperson faces charges under terrorism for his alleged involvement in an incident at Zaman Park in Lahore, where he was accused of arson and pelting stones at the police during the execution of arrest warrants for former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan.

Riaz's counsel, Ali Mian Ashfaq, identified more than a dozen loopholes in the case during the proceedings, challenging the prosecution's claims and highlighting inconsistencies. The primary charge against Riaz was the alleged recovery of a club from his possession during the incident, a claim that reportedly caused laughter in the courtroom.

During the proceedings, Ashfaq questioned the sensitivity of the case, asking why the police were unaware of it for eight months if it was so significant. He pointed out the lack of evidence establishing Riaz's connection to the charges and the absence of any role attributed to the accused in the FIR. Ashfaq questioned the inclusion of the term "incite" in the FIR multiple times without specifying who incited the violence and upon whose direction the mob attacked the police. He also raised concerns about the arrest of Riaz while many journalists who covered the incident remained untouched.

Also read: Court sends Imran Riaz on 5-day physical remand in terrorism case

Several prominent journalists and anchorpersons, including Mansoor Ali Khan, Junaid Saleem, Usama Ghazi, Siddiq Jan, Rai Saqib Kharal, Azam Chaudhry, Talib Afridi, Muhammad Haroon, and Shakir Awan, expressed solidarity with Imran Riaz Khan by approaching the anti-terrorism court during the proceedings.

Despite the extensive questioning by the defence, the prosecution remained silent and failed to provide satisfactory answers to the raised queries. Ashfaq asserted that he possesses data regarding Imran Riaz Khan's activities on the day of the incident, challenging the investigation officer (IO) to produce any substantial evidence linking his client to the alleged charges.

In response to the judge's query about recovered items, the prosecutor stated that the police claimed to have found a club, leading to amusement in the courtroom. Riaz, seeking permission to speak, swore that he had not been questioned about the case during his time in police custody, expressing bewilderment over the alleged recovery of a club from him.

The defence had requested the court to discharge the case and release the accused, while the prosecution urged the court to send Imran Riaz Khan on judicial remand.

After reserving the decision, the ATC judge eventually ordered the accused to be placed on judicial remand.