Whoever gave the orders for picking up anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan would not be spared, Lahore High Court Chief Justice Muhammad Ameer Bhatti said on Monday.

He gave such remarks while hearing a petition pertaining to the release of the anchorperson.

Imran was among those taken into custody following violent protests in the wake of PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9 from the premises of Islamabad High Court.

A police complaint registered by anchorperson’s father, Muhammad Riaz, at the Civil Lines police station invoked Section 365 (kidnapping or abducting with intent secretly and wrongfully to confine person) of the Pakistan Penal Code. It was registered against “unidentified persons” and police officials for allegedly abducting Riaz.

At the hearing, the LHC judge asked the Punjab Inspector General of Police Usman Anwar about the progress and did any investigation was conducted related to the raid on the anchorperson’s house.

The IGP replied that the police did not conduct the raid as the anchorperson was not wanted by them. “Can’t say if any agency has picked him up,” he added.

The chief justice remarked that it seemed the IGP “did not understand the order of the court”, adding that action could be taken against him if he does not show any progress.

IGP Anwar replied that he gave an answer to what the court asked. He added that they have contacted all intelligence agencies and conducted meetings. “No agency of Pakistan has Imran Riaz. Off the record, we have contacted everyone,” he said and added that it would help if the court sends notice to the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Interior.

LHC CJ Bhatti said that he was worried for the life of anchorperson. “I understood that he [IGP] is saying that Imran Riaz is not in Punjab.”

IGP Anwar said that there were suspected of being involved in the incident, adding that no agency worked under him.

The chief justice asked the IGP to inform the court about the measures taken for the recovery of the anchorperson or else action would be taken against him.

“We also conducted a meeting last night where members of all agencies were present. We have asked the whole police of the country. No one has Imran Riaz,” IGP Anwar said and urged the court to seek a response from the secretaries of defence and interior.

The chief justice asked whether the police want more time.

CJP Bhatti said he had notice notices to everyone. “Whoever is responsible will not be spared. On whose orders Imran Riaz was picked up won’t be spared. The court wants that Imran Riaz’s life is not in danger,” he added.

Later, the court adjourned the hearing for an indefinite period after ordering the IGP to take measures for the anchorperson’s recovery.