Daily Times

The denotation of pain experienced by the family of arrested social media activist, Hayat Preghal, can only truly be fathomed if one meets them. If one could eavesdrop on the minds of his children, only then could one conceive the pain they experience. Indeed, their melancholy can’t be expressed in words. All we can do is provide them a shoulder to cry on at this juncture.

Moreover, according to a report published by International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) Hayat Preghal was booked for being involved in anti-state activities. Allegedly it was a resident of Islamabad who filed a report against him. At the same time, the IHRC report states that the very person who reported against Hayat later submitted an affidavit denying that he had given any statement to the police or secret agencies related to the incarcerated individual.

Hayat Preghal is a pharmacist by profession and holds a degree in Pharmacology. Before the arrest, he was employed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). At the time of his arrest, he was in Pakistan on leave. His journey into the unknown started when he was arrested by the police at midnight. His family was tortured and his laptop and mobile phone were confiscated. He remained missing for several days.

However, after hellish brouhaha on social media the state authorities allowed him to contact his kith and kin. He hinted that he was in Adiala Jail. This sent a wave of elation among his well-wishers across the country. Now efforts are underway for his release.

There are numerous stories being concocted related to Hayat’s arrest. Some say he was arrested because of his social media activism, and others blame his association with the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM). He was a vocal critic of state policies, but this alone can’t explain why he was arrested. Whatever the reason may be, the state must ensure a fair trial and transparent legal procedure as these processes are the right of every citizen.

As an expat, Hayat must have had Eid plans with his family. Luckily, a few days before Eid some of his friends met him and he gave them some toys which he made with his own hands while in jail. These were the only gifts this father could give his children. These toys embody haplessness and compulsion of an imprisoned father, and when I saw these pictures of them, I could not help but weep.

Hayat’s case is a litmus test for our state authorities. Will they address the grievances of Pakistan’s disgruntled citizens or simply try to keep them silent?

Is it any wonder that Pashtun youngsters are comparing the treatment meted out to this young social media activist and the alleged killer of hundreds called Rao Anwar? Hayat’s case is being deemed counterfeit and a conspiracy against Pashtun social media activism. To dispel this impression, the state should lay the facts before the public. It must ensure a fair trial in Hayat’s caseso that a chaotic situation can be avoided.

In the similar fashion, PTM has pledged to march towards Islamabad if Hayat isn’t released and Rao Anwar isn’t punished for his crimes. This will definitely turn things from bad to worse. And at present we as a state can’t afford any such mishap. For we are already grappling with far more grave issues.

All in all, from this point on Hayat’s case should be dealt with according to the law. He has a few days left till the end of his official leave granted by his employer in the UAE. Thus if his release is delayed then he might lose his job. As a result, the whole family would suffer. Hayat’s case is a litmus test for our state authorities. Will they address the grievances of Pakistan’s disgruntled citizens or simply try to keep them silent?

The writer can be contacted at asifmahsud44@yahoo.com

Published in Daily Times, August 25^th 2018.