POC 07 Hogan Khokhar
Faith Under Fire
Our family:
- Sabira Khokhar – Mother – (01-01-1965)
- Reagon Khokhar – Brother – Unmarried – (11-06-1984)
- Hogan Khokhar – Personal Statement – Unmarried – (25-07-1991)
Arrived as refugees in Bangkok: November 29, 2013
Refugee Status: “Refused” by UNHCR
Details on gaining Refugee Status is here.
Hogans Journey from Pakistan to Safety in Thailand
Hogan Khokhar, a Christian from Karachi, Pakistan, recounts the severe religious persecution he and his family faced, which ultimately forced them to flee the country. Born into a Christian family, Hogan and his siblings experienced repeated violence and threats from their Muslim neighbors, particularly from Haji Rehmat Ullah and his sons, who were supported by members of Jamaat-e-Islami, a radical Islamic group.
The persecution began in 2003 when Haji and his sons attacked Hogan’s father, breaking his arm after a dispute over leather scraps. Despite filing a police complaint, the family faced continuous threats and harassment, leading to the closure of their family business. In 2011, Hogan and his brother Reagon were brutally attacked by Haji’s sons and their friends, leaving both severely injured. The police refused to file a report against the attackers, instead accusing Hogan’s family of playing music during prayer times.
In 2012, Hogan’s brother Robin was falsely accused of blasphemy after a wooden plate engraved with a holy Islamic verse accidentally touched his foot. This led to a violent mob attack on Robin and the family, with Haji and his sons breaking into their home, beating the family, and attempting to rape Hogan’s sister. The family narrowly escaped and went into hiding.
The situation worsened when Haji filed a false blasphemy case against Hogan, Robin, and Reagon in 2013, putting their lives at even greater risk. With the help of a pastor, the family sought refuge in a church and arranged to leave Pakistan. On November 29, 2013, Hogan and his family fled to Thailand, seeking safety and international protection from the ongoing religious persecution in Pakistan.
More information…
Hogan Khokhar — Detailed Statement
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First published: 2025/07/17/
Latest revision: 2025/09/10/