Riaz was arrested at Allama Iqbal International Airport for monetary fraud as he was leaving for Saudi Arabia for Haj.
Visuals of the arrest went viral, prompting the PTI to call for his release. The police sought his seven-day remand, claiming he borrowed Rs0.25 billion but never returned it. After hearing arguments, Judicial Magistrate Muhammad Kamran Zafar granted a one-day remand and later discharged Riaz due to lack of evidence. However, Riaz was immediately rearrested for allegedly damaging a barrier near the Lahore airport.
Riaz’s legal troubles began after violent protests following Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9, 2023. He was initially taken to Cantt police station and later to Sialkot prison, then reported missing. An FIR for his alleged kidnapping was filed, and his father pleaded for his recovery. The Lahore High Court (LHC) ordered various agencies to find him, leading to multiple court hearings and deadlines. On September 25, Riaz was finally released after being missing for over four months. He faced further legal issues, including a graft case and violence outside Imran Khan’s residence, for which he was granted bail by an anti-terrorism court.