Journalist Shakir Mehmood Awan, who was allegedly abducted from his home on the night of November 27, returned safely in the early hours of December 1.
Awan’s mother had filed a petition in the Lahore High Court (LHC) on November 28, seeking the immediate recovery of her son. Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh presided over the hearing on November 29 and summoned the Inspector General of Punjab Police (IGP). Additional IG Shahzada Sultan appeared on behalf of the IGP. The judge directed the Punjab Safe City Authority to provide CCTV footage of Awan’s alleged abduction from his home.
Awan recounted the harrowing ordeal to Dawn.com, describing how more than 20 unidentified individuals, some dressed in police uniforms, entered his residence and conducted a search. “My mobile phone and other valuables were confiscated from me and I was forcibly taken away with a black cloth over my head and handcuffed,” Awan revealed. “I was kept at an unknown location for three days. I was released at 2:00 am in the Cavalry Ground area of Lahore.”
He told Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) that he was detained at an undisclosed location. The abductors, kept their faces covered throughout. He said they did not conduct any inquiry or give any threats, leaving their intentions unclear. On the evening of December 1, he was released near his residence.
Photo by Shakir Mahmood Awan
