(CJFE/IFEX) – On 15 December 1998, Zafaryab Ahmed was finally allowed to leave Pakistan to take up his fellowship and teaching duties at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, USA. Senior people at Colby College, as well as the American ambassador to Pakistan, had increasingly lobbied the Pakistani government on Ahmed’s behalf. USA Senator Tom Harkin […]
(CJFE/IFEX) – On 15 December 1998, Zafaryab Ahmed was finally allowed to
leave Pakistan to take up his fellowship and teaching duties at Colby
College in Waterville, Maine, USA. Senior people at Colby College, as well
as the American ambassador to Pakistan, had increasingly lobbied the
Pakistani government on Ahmed’s behalf. USA Senator Tom Harkin personally
raised the issue with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif late last year.
As a result, the Pakistani administration finally allowed Ahmed to leave the
country. He has been at Colby College since the week of 17 December.
**Updates IFEX alerts of 8 September 1998, 25 September, 17 August and 9
June 1995**
However, Ahmed’s difficulties are far from over. He was allowed to leave
Pakistan temporarily, but his case is still pending and he still faces
charges of high treason for research he did on the subject of child labour
in Pakistan. He is due to return to Pakistan at the end of May, after the
fellowship ends. He has been unable to reach his lawyer, Abid Hassan Minto,
for information about his status, but fears his situation will remain
unchanged once he returns to Pakistan.
Background Information
Ahmed, a journalist known for his reporting about the social problems of
bonded labour in Pakistan, was arrested and detained on 5 June 1995. He
campaigned against child labour in Pakistan, particularly in the carpet
industry, and was blamed for a reduction in carpet exports and loss of
revenue. Ahmed was charged with anti-state activities and was put on the
Exit Control List (ECL) that same year. Persons on the ECL are prohibited
from leaving the country.
Recommended Action
Send your letters of support and encouragement to:
Zafaryab Ahmed
z_ahmed@colby.edu
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
