Punjab Government Denies Role in Iqrarul Hassan Detention
The Iqrarul Hassan detention case took a new turn on Monday, when the Punjab government denied any role in picking up the journalist-turned-politician — even as his family said they still do not know where he is.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said on Monday (Oct 12) that Punjab Police had not arrested Hassan, that the matter was under investigation, and that the family would be informed once verified information about his whereabouts was available.
What Azma Bokhari said about the Iqrarul Hassan detention
Bokhari made the remarks on Monday (Oct 12), a day after the incident. She clarified that the provincial police had not taken Hassan into custody and said an investigation into the incident was underway.
Her assurance that the family would be told as soon as verified information emerged did little to answer the central question: who picked him up, and where is he now?
What happened on Sunday night
The incident dates to late Sunday night (Oct 11), when unidentified people picked Hassan up from his home in Lahore. According to his family, the group forced entry into the house and seized mobile phones, a laptop, a DVR and CCTV footage before taking him away. Read our original report on the late-night detention.
The family lodged a complaint at the Defence C police station and was issued a police diary number — the first formal record of the case.
NCCIA also denies holding him
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has also denied holding Hassan. When questioned before a judicial magistrate, the agency said he was not in its custody, according to his lawyer.
With both Punjab Police and the NCCIA denying any role, no state institution has acknowledged holding the journalist-turned-politician — more than a day after he was taken.
The questions that remain unanswered
The denials have left a gap that neither statement fills. If neither Punjab Police nor the NCCIA took Hassan, who did — and on whose orders? Why did the group seize his phones, laptop, DVR and CCTV footage rather than simply taking him in for questioning?
Families left without answers in such cases have increasingly demanded independent inquiries — and Hassan’s family now faces the same wait.
From journalism to politics
Hassan, a well-known former television anchor, recently entered politics with the Awaam Raaj Party. His move from the newsroom to party politics had drawn public attention — and his detention has put that new career in the spotlight for very different reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Iqrarul Hassan?
He is a journalist-turned-politician — a well-known former television anchor who recently joined the Awaam Raaj Party to enter politics.
What happened to him on Sunday night?
Unidentified people picked him up from his Lahore home late on Oct 11. His family says the group forced entry and seized mobile phones, a laptop, a DVR and CCTV footage. A complaint was registered at the Defence C police station.
What has the Punjab government said?
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said on Oct 12 that Punjab Police had not arrested Hassan, that the matter was under investigation, and that the family would be informed once verified information about his whereabouts was available.
Has anyone confirmed where Iqrarul Hassan is?
No. Both Punjab Police and the NCCIA have denied holding him, and no state institution has acknowledged taking him. His whereabouts remain unknown.
What happens next?
The police investigation is underway, and the family awaits the verified information the Punjab government promised. Until then, the case remains open — and unanswered.
