Internment centres: PHC summons DSP in missing person’s case

Petitioner says he was told his missing brother is dead

PESHAWAR: A divisional bench of Peshawar High Court has summoned anti-terrorism police in charge DSP Shahnawaz Khan on November 4 in a missing person’s case.

Petitioner Fahimul Haq’s attorney Muhammad Altaf informed the bench of Chief Justice Mazhar Alam Miankhel and Justice Younis Taheem that DSP Shahnawaz along with other policemen arrested Fahim’s brother Aminul Haq on August 2, 2013.

“Amin was shifted to an undisclosed location,” Altaf told the bench. “After running from pillar to post Fahim found out his brother was detained at a police station, and he was allowed to meet him.”

The attorney maintained a few days later the police arrested Fahim as well. They released Fahim after PHC intervened and warned DSP Shahnawaz of a case against him if he does not release the former. “However, Amin is still missing.”

Dead or alive?

Altaf also said Fahim’s other brother, who is a police official, submitted an affidavit at the court claiming former capital city police officer Aijaz Ahmad told him about the demise of Amin.

“The then CCPO asked the court he wanted to settle the issue with the DSP and other police officials so compensation could be paid to him,” added the attorney, quoting the affidavit.

Moreover, while presenting his case, Fahim also accused DSP Shahnawaz of attacking him. The bench then issued a notice to the DSP to appear before the court on November 4.

In a separate petition filed by Said Jamal, Additional Advocate General Umer Farooq Adam told the bench the Jamal’s brother was at the Kohat Internment Centre, under the “black” category. Jamal complained authorities were not allowing him to meet his brother at the centre. On the complaint, the bench ordered the authorities to arrange a meeting.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 23^rd, 2015.