‘Faheem’s family in Faisalabad’

Residents say govt and police are aware of the family’s whereabouts.

FAISALABAD:

The family of Faheem, one of the men shot dead by CIA agent Raymond Davis, is now reportedly settled in Punjab’s Toba Tek Singh district.

The family had disappeared after the release of Raymond Davis and the payment of diyat or blood money. Sources said Faheem’s brothers Akram, Saleem and Waseem, their parents and a sister are living with Muhammad Riaz Sampal, the deputy district attorney of Toba Tek Singh.

While locals confirmed that the family was living with the lawyer, Sampal told reporters on Friday that he had no clue about the family’s whereabouts. Residents also believe that government agencies and the police are aware that Sampal is sheltering the family. A special police van and armed commandoes have been deputed outside Sampal’s house, sources said.

Faheem’s family hails from the area and some of their relatives still live in their native homes. Ten years ago, Waseem worked as a tea boy at a stall in Peer Mehal Katchery and then as an office boy in Sampal’s law chambers. Three years later, Waseem found a job in Lahore and the family moved.

Akram, Faheem’s other brother said he has been residing here since the release of Davis, but did not confirm the presence of any other family member. Akram said his family received payment of blood-money to save Pakistan because the government had decided to release the US national.

For security reasons, the family is still in hiding, Akram said.“We were told that we may be threatened from groups, who were vigorously opposing the release of Davis, he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 03^rd, 2011.