After acquittal: Almost 60% terrorists continue attacks

ISLAMABAD: Sixty per cent of Pakistanis who have been acquitted of terror charges since 2007 are actively involved in anti-state activities, a government document states. The document, made available to a private news channel, said Pakistani courts have acquitted 1,964 alleged terrorists since 2007 -- and of those who have been released, 722 have rejoined terrorist groups and 1,197, or 60%, are still involved in anti-state activities, the channel reported. Defense analyst and former Air-Vice Marshal Shahzad Chaudhry said Pakistani intelligence agencies track acquitted suspects in high-profile cases of terrorism to see whether they are involved in terrorist activities again. Sometimes, if released individuals continue to partake in anti-state activities, they are re-arrested, Chaudhry said.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 21^st, 2013.