Imran Noshad Khan, a podcaster and YouTuber, was allegedly “picked up” from his residence in Lahore on Monday night.
A First Information Report (FIR) has been circulating on social media, as per which he has been booked on sedition charges under 124-A.
Analysts believe that the charges appear to be linked to his recent interview with human rights activist and lawyer Imaan Mazari.
According to the FIR, Imran was engaged in maligning state institutions and spreading hate among the masses.
On the other hand, police also raided Imran’s ancestral home in Buner, where the personnel took his younger brother into custody.
Meanwhile, former senator Afrasiab Khattak condemned the incident, saying there is no justification for the enforced disappearance of any citizen under any allegation. "Kidnapping a citizen by security agencies who is accused by them of any offense is not only a denial of justice to him or her, but it is actually a crime,” he wrote on X.
Former lawmaker Mohsin Dawar also expressed concern over the disappearance of the podcaster, saying, “We remain concerned about podcaster Imran Noshad, who has gone missing from Lahore.”
“Abducting and disappearing law-abiding citizens because of their work is shameful. Activists and journalists continue to be targeted for their work. We hope for Imran Noshad Khan to return safely,” he stated.