POC 02 Abid James Family
The Chef’s Family At Risk
Abid James KHOKHAR Family
Arrived as refugee in Bangkok: 2014 05 26
Initial application with UNHCR: refused *
The narrative revolves around Abid and his family, who face escalating threats from Irfan, a member of the Sunni Tehreek, over religious tensions. The conflict begins on January 12, 2014, when Irfan warns Abid of retribution once he returns to Pakistan. Abid returns in April to celebrate Easter, and Irfan, upon spotting him at a clinic, threatens him again, calling him a “kafir.”
The situation intensifies on April 25, when Irfan, accompanied by several religious figures, falsely accuses Abid of accepting Islam for monetary gain and then abandoning it. Despite Abid’s denial, Irfan angrily labels him a “murtad” (apostate), prompting neighbors to intervene and defuse the situation. Fearful for their safety, Abid and his family temporarily relocate to Nazia’s sister’s house.
The threats escalate on April 26, when Abid is ambushed by Irfan and his accomplices, who beat him severely with baseball bats and attempt to justify killing him under religious pretexts. Strangers rescue Abid and take him to Ayesha Hospital for treatment. Fearing further attacks, Abid decides to move his family to Mariabad.
On May 8, Abid’s father-in-law reports that Irfan, along with two Sunni Tehreek members, has threatened their family, trying to locate Abid. Realizing they are no longer safe, Abid and Nazia decide to leave Pakistan. By May 10, they begin the process of obtaining tourist visas for Thailand.
Finally, on May 26, 2014, Abid and his family flee to Bangkok, leaving behind the constant threats and violence in Pakistan.
More information on Abid James KHOKHAR Family
* Note on common refusals by UNHCR [a pop-up explanation can be created and linked here]
Pop-up statement: “POC works with refugee families which are both applying currently for official refugee status, and for cases which have previously applied and been denied for failures in adequately describing their situations clearly in English.”