POC 21 Suleman Rafiq Family

[under development]  Suleman Rafiq  28-12-2013  Blasphemy and Betrayal: A Journey to Safety

The Road to Refuge

Our family:

  1. Suleman Rafiq– Born on May 24, 1990 (Husband)
  2. Safira Sadiq– Born on September 29, 1984 (Wife)

Arrived as refugees in Bangkok:  December 28, 2013
Case Status:   Refused* by UNHCR

 

 

Blasphemy and Betrayal: A Journey to Safety

Suleman Rafiq, a Christian from Karachi, Pakistan, recounts the severe persecution and violence he and his family faced due to his brother Elisha Rafiq‘s relationship with a Muslim woman, Safia Khan. Suleman worked as an X-ray technician at the 7th Day Adventist Hospital, but his life took a drastic turn when Elisha’s relationship with Safia led to violent repercussions.

In July 2013, Safia’s family discovered her relationship with Elisha and brutally attacked both brothers, leaving them severely injured. Safia’s brother, Taimoor Khan, threatened to kill them if they continued to influence Safia to convert to Christianity. The situation worsened when Safia became pregnant, and her family vowed to kill Elisha and Suleman for allegedly insulting Islam and the Prophet Mohammed.

In November 2013, a mob stormed Suleman’s home, accusing him and Elisha of blasphemy and threatening to burn them alive. The family went into hiding at their uncle’s house, but the threats continued, with Taimoor Khan and his men returning to fire guns and damage their property. The Christian community was too frightened to intervene, and the family realized they were no longer safe in Pakistan.

With the help of Pastor Sohail Bashir, Suleman and his wife, Safira Sadiq, arranged to flee the country. On December 28, 2013, they escaped to Thailand, seeking refuge and safety from the ongoing persecution and threats they faced as Christians in Pakistan.

More information…

Suleman Rafiq — Detailed Statement


* Note on UNHCR rejections…  

Applications are frequently filed in English with UNHCR by individuals with limited English skills.  Without adequate support in preparing their cases, many worthy applicants are denied refugee status by UNHCR.  There is only one chance to obtain a decision by UNHCR.  Two directors of the POC Project have since heard the stories and assisted in writing up detailed accounts in English.  Other avenues exist and do remain open for acceptance of bona fide refugees.

 

Return to POC homepage:  Project People of Concern

 

This page by: Ron Richmond
First published:  2025/08/01/
Latest revision: 

POC confirmed: