KARACHI, October 24 (Online): Amnesty International South Asia and journalist’s organizations nationwide have asked for investigation on missing of private new channel reporter Ali Imran, whereas Governor Sindh Imran Ismail and Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah while taking notice have summoned report from IG Sindh.
According to the details, Ali Imran left home between 7pm-8pm and told the family that he would come back in half an hour but did not return despite the passage of many hours.
His car is parked outside the house and his mobile phone is also at home, said his wife. The family said the police authorities were informed about Imran’s disappearance, who have registered a case against the disappearance.
Meanwhile, the news channel administration said Karachi police chief and DIG East have also been informed about his disappearance.
As per the details from the police, the scene will be thoroughly inspected and CCTV footage will be obtained to probe further into the matter.
While taking notice of the matter, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah directed Inspector General of Sindh Police Mushtaq Mahar to ensure that the reporter is immediately recovered.
“Such actions against journalists are intolerable,” said Murad Ali Shah. “I want a progress report on Ali Imran every hour.”
In a conversation with the news channel management, the CM assured them that Ali Imran will be returned soon.
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) condemned the disappearance of the journalist. PFUJ President Shahzad Zulfiqar and General Secretary Nasir Zaidi appealed to the IG Sindh to release the CCTV footage of the incident.
They also observed that state was trying to restrict the freedom of the press by creating panic among the journalists.
Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) has raised concern on the matter and asked Prime Minister Imran Khan and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to take prompt action for his quick recovery.
In a statement, the RIUJ condemned the incident and warned of countrywide protests if Ali Imran was not recovered safely.
Senior journalist Nasim Zehra said that Ali Imran had obtained the CCTV video of Captain Safdar’s arrest from a Karachi hotel.
“Can’t you question Ali Imran without kidnapping him?” she asked.
Meanwhile, the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) said it was extremely concerned and worried about the missing reporter, Syed Ali Imran.
“We demand the provincial and federal governments and all law enforcement and security agencies to make efforts and ensure a safe return of Ali to his family and journalist fraternity,” said the group in a statement.
The association said that there can be “no media freedom without protection of journalists”. It also said that it was “high time that claims of freedom of media from all quarters are converted into actual action”.
The journalists’ safety association, Editors for Safety (EfS), have also expressed grave concern over the “mysterious disappearance” of the journalist.
The group said it fears that the TV reporter may “have been forcibly” taken away because of his “work on the recent political events in Karachi, including the arrest of opposition member, Captain Safdar”.
“We believe it is the responsibility of both the provincial and federal security agencies to make sure Ali Imran is safely recovered as soon as possible” said EfS convenor Zaffar Abbas.
“If any bodily harm is done to Mr Imran, we will hold the authorities directly responsible,” added Abbas.
Similarly, the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) has also “expressed serious concerns” on the disappearance of Ali Imran.
The PBA strongly urged the provincial and federal governments to investigate and take urgent steps for his immediate recovery.
Rights watchdog Amnesty International’s South Asia Office called on the authorities to establish immediately the “whereabouts” of the missing reporter.
“Ali Imran Syed, a reporter, has been missing from Karachi since yesterday and feared to have been subject to an enforced disappearance for his reporting,” said the rights watchdog.
