Five months of Pakistani journalist in Jalalabad prison - IV
Faizullah Khan was detained by Afghan authorities in eastern Nangarhar province in April 2014.
Part - 4: (Intriguing account of a Pakistani journalist captured in Afghanistan for interview of Taliban leadership)
Read Part - 3 here: Five months of Pakistani journalist in Jalalabad prison - III
Last days of autumn were going when I received a skype call of TTP leader Ehsanullah Ehsan. “We want you to interview our higher leadership.” These were the days when negotiations between the government of Pakistan and TTP were in process.
I had great interest in these matters from the beginning as I wanted to do some research base and unusual work. This phone call was a golden chance for me to attain my goal. I thought that this will be a big story for me and I will also find time for some relaxation.
I was also in a state of great stress and trauma due to my surroundings and needed some fresh air. I welcomed TTP leader’s message and told him that I will confirm the interview after having word with my channel heads.
This phone call was a golden chance for me to attain my goal. I thought that this will be a big story for me and I will also find time for some relaxation.
I informed by Bureau chief and Director News. “Will it be safe?” Emad Yousaf asked me. “Yes, it will be. I only had to go till Peshawar after which they will be responsible to take me to the destination.”
Hearing this he permitted me to leave for the interview. Before leaving, my account was transferred in another bank account. It took so long to prepare the account papers that I didn’t find time to activate my TMA card.
However, I was sure that until my return, the pay will have been deposited in the account and I will complete all my tasks easily.
My office provided me with Peshawar’s return ticket, money and internet device. I remained busy in my work all day. I ate dinner with my family in a foreign restaurant. I was hugely excited for this adventurous trip.
“Will you give me your bag?” I asked my younger sister who studies in Karachi University. “What will I do if I hand over the bag to you?” she asked me instead.
“Look it is only the matter of 15-20 days. Then I will return you the bag with a nice gift.” Hearing this she gave me her bag.
My mother tried to stop me from the journey and said, “What’s the point of such difficult and dangerous task. It will be better that you avoid such interviews and do your work simply like other people.”
I asked my parents for their prayers and came out. I and my wife spent the night awake. My flight was at 8 o’ clock in the morning.
Metro cab reached my home early morning to take me to the airport and conveyed me to the airport timely.
I was eager for the big story and assured my family that I will return home soon.
I was going to Peshawar by air for the first time. There were many citizens who reached Karachi from Malaysia and Dubai and were enroute to Peshawar from there.
Everything seemed good and fine. I saw an older man who was a little upset due to his luggage. I went to him offered help. “Can I help you?” He accepted my offer immediately and I carried his luggage to the plane.
Journey to Afghanistan: The plane landed on the Peshawar airport at nearly 10 o’ clock. It took me some time to come out of the plane. I waited for my host while carrying my luggage. In the meantime I also went to washroom which was extremely filthy and stinking.
The young man seemed to be from some area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but apparently didn’t look as if he use to transfer TTP’s guests across border.
Peshawar airport is slightly better than the bus stations of Lahore and Karachi. Visiting the airport will not give one the understanding that it is also used for international flights.
I had already contacted my host and was waiting for him in the waiting lounge.
“Assalam-o-alaikum!” I turned on the voice and looked at my back. A smart young man aged between 25-30 years was standing in the lounge.
He introduced himself as Imran and said that Ehsanullah Ehsan has sent him for me.
The young man seemed to be from some area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but apparently didn’t look as if he use to transfer TTP’s guests across border.
Another man, who was the driver, picked my luggage. After some time we reached the car standing in the parking through which we had to complete the next phase of our journey.
Read the Urdu version here: Five months in Jalalabad prison
