Responses to Information Requests

Responses to Information Requests (RIRs) are research reports on country conditions. They are requested by IRB decision-makers.

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Responses to Information Requests (RIRs) cite publicly accessible information available at the time of publication and within time constraints. A list of references and additional sources consulted are included in each RIR. Sources cited are considered the most current information available as of the date of the RIR.

RIRs are not, and do not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Rather, they are intended to support the refugee determination process. More information on the methodology used by the Research Directorate can be found here.

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25 May 2005

PAK100046.E

Pakistan: Whether an individual, who has a First Information Report (FIR) or an outstanding warrant of arrest against him/her, can obtain a Pakistani passport (May 2005)

Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Ottawa

In 24 May 2005 correspondence to the Research Directorate, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) indicated that individuals who have First Information Reports (FIRs) or outstanding arrest warrants against them can apply for and obtain a Pakistani passport. This information was also stated in 16 May 2005 correspondence to the Research Directorate by a Karachi-based lawyer, who added that

[t]he Government of Pakistan however, ha[s] what is called [an] Exit Control List (E.C.L.) which is updated from time to time and kept by the Immigration/Emigration Officers at the Airport/other outposts where they can place the names of the persons and the Officer would not let him/her ... travel out of Pakistan (16 May 2005).

According to information posted on the Website of the Pakistani Ministry of Interior,

[the] Exit from Pakistan (Control) Ordinance, 1981, empowers the Federal Government to prohibit any person from proceeding abroad. Ordinarily [the] following categories of persons are placed on [the] ECL:

Persons involved in mass corruption and misuse of power / authority causing loss to the government funds/property.

Government employees involved in economic crime where large government funds have been embezzled or institutional frauds committed.

Hardened criminals involved in acts of terrorism / conspiracy, heinous crimes and threatening national security.

Key directors of firms having tax default / liabilities of Rs. 10 million or more [CDN $211,900.00 (Bank of Canada 24 May 2005)].

Only 2 -3 key directors of firms having more than Rs. 100 million loan default / liabilities [CDN $2,119,000.00 (Bank of Canada 24 May 2005)].

Names of persons if recommended by the Registrar, High Courts / Supreme Court of Pakistan and Banking Courts only.

Drug traffickers (10 May 2004).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References

Bank of Canada. 24 May 2005. "Currency Converter." <http://www.bank-banque-canada.ca/en/exchform.htm> [Accessed 24 May 2005]

Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), Lahore. 24 May 2005. Correspondence.

Lawyer, Karachi. 16 May 2005. Correspondence.

Pakistan. 10 May 2004. Ministry of Interior, Interior Division. "Exit Control List." <http://www.pakistan.gov.pk/divisions/ContentInfo.jsp?DivID=23&cPath=221_227&ContentID=756> [Accessed 16 May 2005]

Additional Sources Consulted

The High Commission of Pakistan, in Ottawa, did not respond to a letter requesting information.

A second Karachi-based lawyer did not respond to a letter requesting information.

Internet sites, including: Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (Washington), High Commission of Pakistan (Ottawa).

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