Five months of Pakistani journalist in Jalalabad prison - XVII
Faizullah Khan was detained by Afghan authorities in eastern Nangarhar province in April 2014.
Part - 17: (Intriguing account of a Pakistani journalist captured in Afghanistan for interview of Taliban leadership)
Read Part - 16 here: Five months of Pakistani journalist in Jalalabad prison – XVI
It was a hot May 12 morning when intelligence officials brought me out of the cell and transferred me to the interrogation room. “We are sending you to jail.” These words of the official surprised me. “May your words come true.” I spoke out spontaneously. He laughed and said, “ Get ready to face the court as we have prepared a strong case against you.”
It is pertinent to mention here that during investigation I told the Afghan authorities that the area where TTP has made their main centers have widespread opium cultivation. But this revelation of mine was completely ignored by them.
Intelligence officials while providing me with some concession said, “I can permit you to take bath but you have to wear these old clothes.” I thanked him and immediately went for a shower. After getting bath after 16 days I felt a unique happiness. On reaching the cell I announced, “I am being shifted to jail due to your prayers.” Everyone congratulated me in such a way as if I was getting freedom from captivity forever.
It is pertinent to mention here that during investigation I told the Afghan authorities that the area where TTP has made their main centers have widespread opium cultivation. But this revelation of mine was completely ignored by them.
At 1 o’ clock in the morning I was driven out of the cell again and shifted into another room where I was shown all my confiscated things which included money, mobile and other material but the USB was not present among them. The officer gave me Rs5000 from my money and said, “Your all other belongings have been seized by the government officials.”
“I have to make contact in Pakistan for every matter and according to Afghan currency; this amount is barely Rs2500 and is relatively less then my expenditures.” “You have to survive on this amount as we are not allowed to give money more than this.”
Nonetheless, my hands and feet were bound in chains again and the officer indicated me to go out. As I was coming out, I saw a poster displayed in the compound on which pictures of Imam Kaaba, Dr Tahirul Qadri and other leaders were present. Actually the poster had a Fatwa on it given by all these leaders against suicide attacks.
The prisoners later told me that fingerprints of every prisoner are taken but the saliva of only some certain people is obtained. All this matter is then sent to American base where it is tested that whether the person is involved in any sort of terror activity or not.
I was being transferred to Nangarhar’s main jail. Before the transfer intelligence authorities stored my saliva in a specific bottle and also took my palm and finger prints alongwith recording my statement in a video. The prisoners later told me that fingerprints of every prisoner are taken but the saliva of only some certain people is obtained. All this matter is then sent to American base where it is tested that whether the person is involved in any sort of terror activity or not.
As I stepped out of intelligence office, I was bounded in chains once again. It was difficult for me to walk in that condition however I covered the short distance and sat in the particular prisoner van. The vehicle was used to carry a large number of prisoners but I was alone in it. An armed official sat behind me. The powerful engine of the van started and the new journey began.
Read the Urdu version here: Five months in Jalalabad prison
