1616309 (Refugee)

The applicant, a citizen of Pakistan, sought a protection visa, claiming he feared serious harm from followers of the Barelvi faith due to his adherence to the Deobandi sect of Islam. He alleged he had been targeted by members of the Barelvi community, including incidents involving the kidnapping of his wife and an attempt on his life. The applicant also asserted that the Pakistani police were unable to provide protection due to corruption and a lack of resources to file official reports. The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) reviewed the applicant's claims and the evidence presented.

The primary legal issue before the AAT was whether the applicant met the criteria for a protection visa under section 36(2) of the relevant Act. This required the Tribunal to assess the credibility and consistency of the applicant's claims regarding persecution and the likelihood of him suffering serious harm if returned to Pakistan. The Tribunal also considered whether the applicant's stated political opinion, as a supporter of the Deobandi movement and an active member of the Pakistan Muslim League, was a relevant factor in his fear of harm.

The Tribunal found the applicant's evidence to be vague, inconsistent, and unconvincing. It noted that the applicant had not provided all requested documentation, including a second First Information Report (FIR). Consequently, the Tribunal concluded that the applicant had not satisfied the criterion under section 36(2) of the Act. The Tribunal affirmed the decision not to grant the applicant a protection visa.