In a gripping revelation during an exclusive interview on lawyer Mian Ali Ashfaq’s YouTube channel Cross Examination, journalist Imran Riaz Khan, who resurfaced in September after a tumultuous four-month disappearance, shared the harrowing details of his journey from captivity to freedom.
Recalling the moment of his arrest at Sialkot airport on May 11, Khan initially believed it to be a routine occurrence, unaware of the extended ordeal awaiting him. “I was a living corpse. I thought it was the end,” Khan revealed, describing his 142-day captivity as a surreal experience where he oscillated between hope and despair.
Despite occasional stammering during the interview, Khan expressed gratitude to his mother and wife, citing them as constant inspirations who stood by him in the toughest of times.
Acknowledging the overwhelming public support, Khan credited the impact of prayers during his darkest days. “I thought people would have forgotten me after 100 days,” he confessed, recounting the surreal feeling of hearing his name upon his return.
In a candid moment, Khan addressed his past stance on “missing persons,” expressing regret for equating them with terrorists. He apologized for his earlier perceptions, recognizing the unjustifiable nature of any harm befalling journalists.
Reflecting on the judicial process, Khan, once skeptical, commended the lower courts for their swift handling of his case, challenging his prior misconceptions.
Delving into a troubling trend, Khan highlighted the arrest of women party workers and noted the potential repercussions for future cases involving other political entities.
As for his future plans, Khan remained open-ended, stating, “I am not thinking specifically about anything for now. When I start working, I will talk on the story of that day.”
The interview concluded with Khan expressing heartfelt appreciation for those who raised their voices in support during his trying times, leaving viewers with a profound insight into his remarkable journey from captivity to freedom.
