RAWALPINDI: Punjab government has dismissed review appeals of three members of a proscribed organisation seeking removal of their names from the fourth schedule of Anti-Terrorism Act 1997.

Abdul Wajid Abbasi, a resident of Murree, whose name was placed on the fourth schedule on the recommendations of the District Intelligence Committee (DIC) Rawalpindi in July 2018, had requested the authorities remove his name from the list.

He was given an opportunity to appear before the committee comprising representatives of the deputy commissioner, city police officer, security branch and Counter-Terrorism Department.

During proceeding of the committee, Abbasi said he was a law abiding citizen and working as a prayer leader of a mosque in Murree for the last 18 years. He said there was no sufficient material to substantiate allegations against him for being member of any proscribed organisation or involved in any such activity.

He claimed that he had been facing hardships due to his enlistment in the 4th schedule of ATA.

A DIC meeting, which was held recently, reviewed the matter and recommended retaining the name of the applicant in the fourth schedule and his further surveillance.

The home department believed that Mr Abbasi was affiliated with proscribed Sipah-i-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP) and his name was liable to be retained on the list of fourth schedule.

A similar appeal was made by Qari Liaquat Abbasi, a resident of Murree, who had also been placed on the fourth schedule on the recommendation of the DIC in July 2018.

He also claimed that he was a law abiding citizen and performing his duty as a prayer leader for the last 16 years. He said he was neither member of any proscribed organisation nor had any criminal history.

However, his claim was disputed by the DC and Special Branch who contended that he was an active member of the outlawed SSP and had been participating in its programmes. He remained involved in violation of restrictions and had been using a madressah for propagating ideology of the proscribed organisation.

Following recommendations by the committee, the home department rejected his appeal.

A similar appeal was made by Tariq Mehmood Abbasi of Murree. His name was placed on the watch list in July 2018 on the recommendation of the DIC.

Appearing before the committee last month, he contended that he was a law abiding citizen and performing his duties as imam of a mosque for over 15 years. He claimed that he was neither member of any proscribed organisation nor involved in any criminal activity.

But the committee said the applicant had been an active member of the outlawed SSP and collected funds for the proscribed organisation. In this regard, the police had registered cases against him.

The home department rejected the appeal saying there was reasonable ground to believe that Mehmood had been affiliated with the proscribed organisation.

Under the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997, every individual whose name has been placed on the fourth schedule is bound to inform the police before leaving his permanent residence and upon his return.

In addition, he is also bound to submit a surety bond to the concerned police station guaranteeing his peaceful conduct.

As many as 38 people have been placed on the fourth schedule in Rawalpindi district. Of these, 30 belonged to proscribed organisations.

Published in Dawn, November 25th, 2019