Prominent Pakistani Journalist Arrested for Third Time

Pakistani authorities have arrested Imran Riaz Khan, a well-known journalist and former TV anchor, VOA reported yesterday, adding it was Khan’s third arrest in the past 13 months.

Khan, a vocal critic of Pakistan’s military establishment, was taken into custody early Wednesday at the Lahore airport as he was traveling to perform the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Authorities have accused him of embezzlement in a real estate deal, though his legal team claims the arrest was made without a warrant and in violation of previous court orders.

The popular commentator, who has millions of followers on social media, recently fell out of favor with the military after openly criticizing the institution following the removal of former Prime Minister Imran Khan from power.

This latest apprehension marks the latest in a series targeting Khan, who has a history of brief disappearances and legal battles with the authorities.