Imran Riaz Khan narrates his journey from captivity to freedom

ISLAMABAD: In a candid revelation during his inaugural interview on lawyer Mian Ali Ashfaq’s YouTube channel Cross Examination, journalist Imran Riaz Khan, who reappeared in September after a harrowing four-month disappearance, reflected on the tumultuous journey he endured.

Recalling his arrest at Sialkot airport on May 11, Khan expressed his initial belief that it was a routine occurrence, unaware of the prolonged ordeal that awaited him.

“I was a living corpse. I thought it was the end”, Imran Riaz Khan revealed while describing his 142-day captivity as a surreal experience where he oscillated between hope and despair

Apologizing for his stammering during the interview, he said that his mother and his wife were always an inspiration for him and stood by him in tough times.

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Expressing gratitude for the outpouring of public support, Khan acknowledged 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.

Addressing his past stance on “missing persons,” Khan admitted regret for equating them with terrorists and apologized for his earlier perceptions, acknowledging 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.

He further delved into the troubling trend of arresting women party workers, noting 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.”

He concluded with heartfelt appreciation for those who raised their voices in support during his trying times.