Askari was detained by police and personnel in plain clothes, according to eyewitness testimony from Askari's friend, who was present at the scene of the event.
On Saturday night, while the two were leaving a wedding ceremony, a police car and a white car allegedly stopped Askari's vehicle at the Qayyumabad KPT Interchange on Korangi Road.
In addition, he said that despite Askari having identified himself and been notified that he was a reporter, police and unidentified men had arrested them.
But later on, Askari's friend was released. He reported the detention and brought the car to the Jang office.
According to The News, when Askari's friend called the police helpline, Madadgar 15, to report the incident, the police officer who answered the phone instructed him to go to the relevant police station.
Until the publication of this story, the reporter's location could not be determined.
Separately, the Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ) issued a press release condemning Askari’s "abduction by uniformed men".
The statement, issued by KUJ General Secretary Aajiz Jamali, stated that it was "extremely concerning that armed men publicly kidnap journalists [while] the administration and the government remain silent spectators".