1721180 (Refugee)

The applicant, a national of Pakistan, sought a protection visa. The applicant claimed to have been kidnapped and intimidated by members of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, and to have a minor political profile as a supporter of women's education. The applicant also alleged harassment by TTP supporters and that their brother was killed after the applicant voluntarily returned to Pakistan. The decision under review affirmed the delegate's refusal of the protection visa.

The court was required to determine whether the applicant had established a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of political opinion or membership of a particular social group, specifically women in Pakistan who teach primary school-aged children. The court also considered issues of credibility, inconsistent evidence, and any delay in seeking protection.

The court considered country information regarding security operations in Pakistan, including Operation Zarb-e-Azb and its successor, Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad, as well as the National Action Plan (NAP). These operations were credited with a significant reduction in violent and terrorism-related attacks. The court noted that while some political violence occurred during election periods, the overall trend indicated increased security and reduced fear in communities. The court found that the applicant's evidence was inconsistent and raised credibility issues, which, in conjunction with the country information suggesting a reduction in security threats, led to the conclusion that the applicant had not established a well-founded fear of persecution.

The court affirmed the decision of the delegate to refuse the protection visa.