A Lahore district court on Friday ordered the detention of anchorperson Imran Riaz, who was apprehended the previous night, in connection with a corruption case.
Riaz, taken into custody from his residence late last night, saw footage of his arrest circulating widely on social media. The PTI has strongly opposed his arrest and demanded his immediate release.
Presented before Judicial Magistrate Imran Abid by the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE), Riaz stands accused, along with his father, of allegedly securing a contract related to Dharabi Lake in Chakwal at an inflated price.
The First Information Report (FIR) lodged against Riaz, obtained by Dawn.com, cited sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Prevention Of Corruption Act, alleging various offenses.
During the court session, the ACE requested a 14-day physical remand for Riaz.
One of Riaz’s legal representatives, Rana Maroof, argued that the case against his client was baseless and unsubstantiated. He refuted claims of wrongdoing by Riaz’s father, emphasizing his non-involvement in governmental affairs.
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Advocate Azhar Siddique, another lawyer representing Riaz, contended that the anti-corruption authorities lacked evidence to support their allegations.
In his defense, Riaz stated that he surrendered to authorities peacefully, yet they forcibly entered his residence without permission. He disputed the accusations against him, asserting that the contract in question was obtained at a lower price than the previous agreement.
Expressing frustration over the allegations against his father, Riaz emphasized his innocence and urged authorities to remove his father’s name from the FIR.
Riaz expressed confidence in the judiciary and vowed to continue his fight against corruption. He lamented the treatment he received during his arrest and reiterated his commitment to remain in Pakistan despite advice from colleagues to relocate abroad.
Following the hearing, the court rejected the ACE’s request for physical remand and ordered Riaz to be held in judicial custody for 14 days, scheduling his next appearance for March 8.
Meanwhile, the PTI condemned Riaz’s arrest as illegal and demanded his immediate release. In a statement, the party criticized the alleged abduction and mistreatment of Riaz, labeling it as part of an authoritarian agenda. PTI leader Omar Ayub Khan also denounced the arrest, highlighting Riaz’s independent journalism and criticizing the lack of rule of law in Pakistan.