Imran Riaz leaves Pakistan for London after 'torturous ordeal'
LONDON: Former anchor and YouTuber Imran Riaz Khan has reached London after leaving Pakistan
Riaz also confirmed the same through a post on his X account and said his long journey was treacherous, dangerous and full of ordeals.
He went 'missing' for months last year before being recovered in September 2023. The YouTuber has moved abroad despite claiming that come what may, he would not leave the country.
Riaz thanked Qasim Suri, the former national assembly deputy speaker, for convincing him to leave Pakistan “for the sake of Pakistan”. He also shared a picture of himself in a mountain area with an injury on his face.
Riaz's relative said: “He is a patriotic Pakistani who has left the country for Pakistan. It had become impossible for him to live normally. He was facing serious dangers to his life. He is lucky that he’s alive and out. He will return to Pakistan as soon as the situation is right."
In a social media interview, Riaz said he had undergone a great ordeal to safely exit from Pakistan where he has several cases registered against him.
Riaz said he was the second person who had fled Pakistan from a ground route and not through air travel. He didn’t disclose how and which route he took.
He said he was aware that the administration was looking for him, so he had to continuously upload his vlogs and stay active on social media so as not to alert the administration.
Riaz said he had to travel for several weeks by foot in hilly and barren areas to ensure his safe exit. According to him he was also attacked by wild animals and suffered serious injuries.
“I was accompanied by just one brave man who escorted me. I was in touch with Qasim Suri who remained awake for at least four nights. I am thankful for his guidance and his support to me throughout this time. He had also left the country through land route.”
He said he met his family after a long time. “All my family members left the country over the last year. They were dislocated. I told my children that I am not happy to [be] out of Pakistan. I will return to Pakistan soon when the situation is right.”
Suri replied that he was glad he and his tribe were able to help Riaz to reach the safe location.
