LAHORE, March 6: “Do you know Osama? Have you ever met him? Is he dead or alive?” were the questions frequently asked by interrogators from the three Khwajas who were released on Wednesday after a three-month detention.

“Their emphasis was on our links (if any) with Al Qaeda , its network, Arabs and their connections and the financiers,” Dr Omar Karar, 30, told newsmen on Thursday at his Manwan house close to the Wagah border.

He was accompanied by his brother Dr Khizar Ali, 28, and cousin Usman who remained silent during the press conference. The two brothers are Americans by birth while their cousin is a Canadian.

Dr Omar said they were grilled by local and foreign investigators who subjected them to psychological torturer.

“The foreigners, including some women, seemed to be American by their accent,” claimed Dr Omar.

He said the investigators had threatened him dire consequences on a number of occasions. “They threatened me that I would not see my family again if I did not reply their questions correctly.”

Omar said the investigators showed him pictures, asking him to identify them or give any information he had about them. It happened several times, he added and recalled that he was quizzed in around eight sessions. “A majority of the pictures seemed to be of Arabs.”

About the Arabs, who are alleged to have stayed at the Manawan house, Omar was about to say something when a relative intervened, saying they must be visiting his father (Dr Ahmad) for treatment. “And as you know Dr Sahib was courteous who would often take such visitors home for hospitality.” Omar said the investigators did question him about them “but I have no information (about them).”

Usman who seemed to be a bit nervous would always say that it was a nightmare and he was all thankful to God that he was with his family again. “I simply don’t believe it.”

Their lawyer said they have lost weight due to the adverse conditions they faced during their detention. “What else could be expected by having lentil every day.” He said the legal battle would continue in courts and hoped that Dr Ahmad Javed Khwaja and his brother Ahmad Naveed Khwaja, too, would be released soon.