Imran Riaz Khan's first interview after leaving Pakistan

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Imran Riaz Khan's first interview after leaving Pakistan

In his first interview after exile, Imran Riaz made several critical revelations. He disclosed that he was in Swat before deciding to leave Pakistan.

Imran Riaz Khan, a prominent name in Pakistani journalism, has continuously faced hardships for speaking the truth. From multiple legal cases and illegal abductions to life-threatening situations, he has endured immense pressure, ultimately forcing him to leave Pakistan.

His first interview after going into exile was published on digital media. He recorded two interviews—one with Usman Chaudhary and another with Sherin Zada.

Imran Riaz Khan is a fearless journalist, anchor, and one of Pakistan’s most-followed journalists on social media. Known for his bold stance, he openly speaks on politics, government affairs, and the establishment, making him a strong voice in Pakistan’s media landscape.

However, his fearless journalism has come at a heavy price, especially since April 2022, when former Prime Minister Imran Khan was ousted through a regime change operation. Since then, Imran Riaz has been arrested multiple times. Authorities also targeted his YouTube channel, eventually leaving him with no choice but to leave Pakistan in order to protect his life.

In his first interview after exile, Imran Riaz made several critical revelations. He disclosed that he was in Swat before deciding to leave Pakistan.

"For some time, my sources kept informing me that the situation was becoming more dangerous," he said. "Twice, God saved me. It felt like it was my last moment. Then I realized that things had become too risky, and I had to leave. So, I began my journey with a companion."

Imran Riaz Khan described his escape from Pakistan as a difficult and risky journey. He revealed that he traveled through remote areas with minimal internet access and basic facilities, constantly moving to avoid capture.

During his journey, he stopped in various regions, including Sindh, Balochistan, Islamabad, Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and tribal areas. However, several serious incidents occurred along the way, ultimately forcing him to leave the country.

In the interview, Imran Riaz made a significant revelation—he was persuaded to leave Pakistan by none other than former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Qasim Khan Suri.

The journalist disclosed that he made three attempts to exit Pakistan. "I can't reveal the exact locations or the people who helped me," he said. "The first attempt failed. During the second, my companion and I spent nine hours in the mountains, where we got injured. But in the end, that attempt also failed."

Imran Riaz expressed deep respect for the person who accompanied him throughout this dangerous journey. "I won’t reveal his name. I don’t want to, and I never will. But he is the strongest, most resilient person I have ever seen." He also confirmed that his viral picture, which circulated on social media, was taken by this same companion.

Regarding the support he received, Imran Riaz mentioned that Qasim Khan Suri reached out to his friends, who provided him with crucial assistance. "They are proud Pashtuns. They protected my life as their brother, as a fellow Muslim, and as a countryman. I can never thank them enough."

Despite being in exile, Imran Riaz remains determined to return. "My journey will only end when I come back to Pakistan," he declared. "If I ever feel that my life is no longer in danger, I will be the first to return."