These letters follow additional information from Ibrahim D., one of two German nationals seized in Pakistan with Habib last year. Ibrahim D., whose full name has not been released for legal reasons, phoned Stephen Hopper, the Habib family lawyer, in mid-May and explained that the three men were travelling on a bus between Quetta and Karachi when they were arrested. Habib was planning to fly to Australia from Karachi. This information, the first from an independent eyewitness, undermines Australian government and media claims that Habib was caught attempting to cross into Afghanistan.

According to Ibrahim, non-uniformed Pakistani authorities carrying guns stopped the bus and arrested the men. They were blindfolded and imprisoned in Quetta jail for four days, before being transported to another prison in Islamabad. The Germans were later freed and repatriated after their government lodged a formal protest with the Pakistan regime.

Ibrahim also confirmed that Australian officials had visited Habib. Habib told Ibrahim that the Australian authorities seemed unwilling to help and had mocked him. Knowing full well that his wife and children were in Australia, the official asked whether he wanted to go to Egypt or Australia. Ibrahim said Habib was ill but had been prevented from taking prescribed medication and was not given any medical treatment. Ibrahim’s account further establishes the illegal character of Habib’s detention.