Journalist Aftab Iqbal returns home after reported “missing”

ISLAMABAD: Senior journalist and anchorperson Aftab Iqbal has returned home after being reported “missing”‘ for over 20 hours in Dubai, UAE.

A tweet from Aftab Iqbal’s X account stated, “We went through a tough time, but Alhamdulillah, Aftab Iqbal has safely returned home. Thank you to everyone who prayed for us.”

Aftab Iqbal, who had traveled from London to Dubai with his wife, disappeared shortly after reaching the immigration counter at the Dubai airport.

His wife searched for him within the airport premises and approached airport authorities but received no clear information regarding his whereabouts.

The development was confirmed by his brother, Junaid Iqbal, in a Twitter post. He stated that Aftab Iqbal was detained upon arrival in Dubai from Manchester without any explanation. “We have not heard from him since,” the post read. He urged authorities to intervene and ensure Iqbal’s safe exit from the airport.

Sources revealed that he was stopped at Dubai airport and questioned over his ‘pro-PTI stance’ and political commentary.

Although an attempt was reportedly made to deport him, he was eventually allowed to leave as he had not violated any UAE laws.

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Aftab Iqbal, who moved abroad last year following his arrest and subsequent release in connection with the May 9 attack on Lahore Corps Commander’s House, holds a UAE golden visa and resides there.

Aftab has worked in many prominent news channels, which include Geo, Express News, Dunya news and Samaa.