United States at the DFIP, usually informed through letters sent through the ICRC or through phone calls from released Afghan detainees. 92 When their relatives initially disappear, families are wracked with worry, fearing the worst. Imran’s brother Ibrahim disappeared in Peshawar while he was traveling for work. His family did not know if he was alive or dead for six months until they received a letter from Ibrahim through the ICRC saying that he was being detained at the DFIP. “We were happy in a way because we knew where he was and that he was safe. We thought that he was dead for some time,” said Imran. “We are very worried though. We still do not know why he was picked up or detained.” 93 Javed disappeared from the streets of Karachi in 2004. He was dropping his father off at the hospital when he was kidnapped by unknown individuals. Javed’s family discovered he was being held at the DFIP after receiving a letter from the ICRC, more than a year after his initial detention. Though they are not certain, his family believes he was kidnapped by Pakistani intelligence agencies and sold to the U.S. government, accused of being a terrorist. 94 Worried about what might happen to them or other family members if they spoke out, the family remained silent and simply hoped for his eventual return. As Mubashar, Javed’s uncle, explained: I do not know why he was taken or who took him away but it cannot be anyone else apart from the intelligence agencies. At that time, Musharraf was still in power and people would get picked up left and right. A guy in my neighborhood ended up in Guantanamo Bay. At the time, we thought that if we just kept quiet and did not cause a ruckus then Javed would return. 95 When his young son, Kaleem, disappeared in 2008, Gul Muhammad spent many months looking for him. He travelled to South Waziristan and Peshawar in Pakistan, and even across the border to Khost province in Afghanistan, but could find no trace of him. “I spent a lot of money on these trips” says Gul Muhammad “I almost bankrupted myself.” 96 A year after his son disappeared, he finally received a call from the ICRC informing him that Kaleem, was alive and being held by the United States at the DFIP. After finally discovering that their loved ones are still alive and in detention, families are unable to find out much more about their relatives’ situations and conditions. Families are not provided with any information regarding the charges or evidence against detainees, or the circumstances of their capture. Though JPP represents many detainees and maintains frequent contact with their relatives, detainees are denied access to counsel who could explain to families the circumstances and reasons for their detention. As explained above, the U.S. military also prohibits detainees from discussing such matters with their own families. Most families also have little to no understanding of what the DRB system is or how the repatriation process functions. Left largely in the dark, families feel powerless and are resigned to hoping that the government or international organizations will come to their aid. All of the family members interviewed by JPP requested that the U.S. government either 92 Justice Project Pakistan interviews with relatives of current detainees (names, dates, locations withheld). Justice Project Pakistan interview with Imran, April 2013 (real name, location withheld). 94 Justice Project Pakistan interview with Mubashar, December 2012 (real name, location withheld). 95 Ibid. 96 Justice Project Pakistan interview with Gul Muhammad, December 2012 (real name, location withheld). 93 27