LAHORE: Embarrassed over the release of nearly half of the detained alleged hardcore elements across the province for lack of evidence, almost all DCOs have reportedly asked police and other law-enforcement agencies to seek detention orders of only those against whom they have solid material for their involvement in any subversive activity.

“It was the heat of the moment when we detained the alleged hardcore elements. But the objectivity element in their detention was missing which was exposed when they approached courts and appellant authorities for their freedom,” a DCO admitted on Sunday.

According to information gathered by Dawn from various districts, the government had given the task of detaining all hardcore elements in the light of the National Action Plan (NAP) made in the aftermath of the attack on Peshawar’s Army Public School.

As a result, lists of the alleged hardcore persons were provided by district intelligence coordination committees comprising representatives of police and law-enforcement agencies. The stereotyped reports regarding the so-called evidence were submitted by these representatives.

“This process was not objective and was adopted in view of the pressure by the high-ups. The element of objectivity was missing that was why the courts and the appellate authorities had to order release of the detainees,” a DCO said.

Sources claimed that all the detainees were hardcore elements. They were under watch and could be detained. But the track record of those released accused was missing. For example, there was no evidence of when and where someone delivered hate speech or how one acted as a facilitator or harboured anyone and how one was a part of the fund providing channels.

“Courts seek evidence and I have asked the authorities concerned that they would have to keep it in mind,” a DCO said.

Published in Dawn, May 5th, 2015

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