he and his family do not “know anything about his release—we do not know how or when it is happening.” 103 Some families were aware of some of the basic logistics of release—but knew nothing about the actual negotiations and substantive political and legal process that could actually lead to their return. As one family member explained: The ICRC has explained the process to me. First he will be released to the Embassy’s custody. Then he will be given to the ICRC who sends him to Islamabad via an ICRC plane. They told me that the ISI [Pakistan’s foreign intelligence agency] might hold him for three days. I have no further information; that is all they told me. 104 When asked who they believe should inform them about the repatriation and review process, families of Pakistani detainees hold the Pakistani government chiefly responsible. Yet, according to family members, Pakistani officials have largely failed to do so. 105 Pakistani officials have consistently failed to provide families with an explanation of the repatriation process, the negotiations with the United States, or made clear that their relatives’ fate ultimately hinge on those negotiations. One family member said that in response to their inquiries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs simply told them that “the detainees have DRB hearings. The results are sent to Washington where they decide whether or not to give the detainees back to their home countries […] That is all they told me. I just know that [the detainees] are given to the embassy and then brought back.” 106 With little to no assistance from their own government, or the United States, families must rely on JPP lawyers as well as the ICRC for limited guidance and updates. With little to no direct contact with those actually responsible for the fate of detainees, families feel abandoned and helpless, eager for the even the most basic information and understanding of what will happen. Fareed, a land-owner living near Quetta, Balochistan and cousin of a current detainee, says that after years of trying to get the Pakistani government to do more, his family has lost hope. “Talking to politicians might help. But we cannot do it. Someone has to help us do that. They will not listen to us.” 107 As an ethnic Baloch, Fareed and his family believe Pakistani authorities are even less likely to help them. “The government is not going to help us, especially since we are Baloch.” 108 Other family members erroneously believed that after the DFIP was handed over to the Afghan government, as had been announced by the U.S. and Afghan governments, their relatives would finally be released. Before his brother was detained at the DFIP, Gul Nawaz used to listen to music on the radio every night. Now he listens to the news, anxious to hear about developments, and was heartened when he heard that the United States was handing over the DFIP, believing it would expedite his brother’s repatriation: 103 Justice Project Pakistan interviews with relatives of current detainees (names, dates, locations withheld). Justice Project Pakistan interview with Fareed, December 2012 (real name, location withheld). 105 Justice Project Pakistan interviews with relatives of current detainees (names, dates, locations withheld). 106 Justice Project Pakistan interview with Pirzada, March 2013 (real name, location withheld). 107 Justice Project Pakistan interview with Fareed, December 2012 (real name, location withheld). 108 Justice Project Pakistan interviews with Asif and Fareed, December 2012 (real names, location withheld). 104 29