Imran Khan’s lawyer, Intezar Hussain Panjutha, who had been missing since October 8, was found by Punjab police last night. The PTI party claims this situation seems staged and is asking for a police report against the Attorney General, Mansoor Usman Awan, who said in court that Panjutha would be presented to the court within a day, implying he knew where he was.
The police found Panjutha in Attock, allegedly while his kidnappers were moving him. He was taken to a hospital afterward. A video shared by PTI showed him tied up in a car, looking shaken.
The police claimed Panjutha was kidnapped for ransom. They also called out “vloggers” spreading false stories about the incident, saying they were trying to harm the police’s reputation. The police stated that some people are unfairly criticizing them and that legal action would be taken against those making negative claims online.
Reactions to the lawyer’s recovery have been strong. Gohar Khan from PTI criticized the lack of accountability for those who abduct, torture, and release people without facing consequences. He wondered if anyone would ever be held accountable for such actions, emphasizing the decline of human rights.
Asad Qaiser, a former National Assembly speaker, echoed this concern, urging the courts to investigate who was responsible for the kidnapping, stating that if this is overlooked now, it will put everyone at risk in the future.
Activist Jibran Nasir argued that abduction and torture are becoming normal in Pakistan and criticized the authorities for trying to downplay the situation.
Human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir warned that videos like the one of Panjutha could incite public outrage against known perpetrators if there is no accountability for these crimes.
Veteran journalist Hamid Mir remarked that Panjutha’s appearance after his rescue showed signs of the ordeal he went through, a familiar story to many.
PTI officials claimed the circumstances of Panjutha’s recovery were suspicious, demanding an independent investigation into his mistreatment, and highlighting the need for urgent measures to protect human rights.
