POC 01 Abid James Family
The Last Supper
My family
- Abid James Khokhar – January 1, 1976 (Father)
- Nazia Rehmat – July 11, 1981 (Mother)
- Anoosh Shalva – March 30, 2010 (Son)
- Shanaya – October 24, 2013 (Daughter)
Arrived as refugee in Bangkok: 2014 05 26
Refugee Status: “Refused” by UNHCR
Details on gaining Refugee Status is here.
When faith becomes a target, survival demands a new beginning
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…
Abid James — Detailed Statement
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First published: 2025/03/30/
Latest revision: 2025/09/10/