I need to show that a certain type of people will tend to be attacked
NOW when they return to Pakistan, specifically having ANY of these
characteristics:
1. Westernized returnees, who don't speak the language very well;
2. Ismailis specifically, and Shia Muslims generally;
3. Mohajirs (refugees from India), especially those who came after
Bangladeshi independence;
4. Women, esp. DIVORCED 30-something women who don't wear the veil (hijab); and
5. Apostates (one member of the family is converting to Christianity).
* They are NOT political activists, so the intra-party violence
between Mohajir political parties does not seem relevent -- unless
newcomers are FORCED to join one side or the other to get protection.
* A key point is that I need to document that there is danger NOW, so
things that happened a long time ago are not at all relevant.
* Documents in English are by far the best, but documents in Urdu or
Gujarati *might* be useful. *Time is of the essence. |
Request for Question Clarification by
pafalafa-ga
on
05 Dec 2003 12:41 PST
You can find fairly detailed warnings about travel to Pakistan issued
by the U.S. State Department at these links:
http://travel.state.gov/pakistan.html
SAFETY AND SECURITY/AREAS OF INSTABILITY: Sectarian and separatist
terrorists within Pakistan continue to target American and other
Western interests, as well as those of certain indigenous groups.
Bombings and assassinations continue to occur throughout Pakistan. For
example, two Americans were killed and several more were injured in a
bombing at an Islamabad church frequented by Westerners on March 17,
2002 and an American news reporter was kidnapped and killed in Karachi
in January 2002. The U.S. Consulate General in Karachi sustained
attacks in June 2002 and February 2003. There is evidence of a
potential threat to American citizens and other westerners in Pakistan
from terrorists posing as street vendors or beggars on busy streets.
Americans are urged to avoid congested areas where these individuals
could approach their vehicles. Rallies, demonstrations and processions
occur from time to time throughout Pakistan on very short notice and
have often taken on an anti-American or anti-Western character.
Karachi and the southern parts of Punjab province have experienced
protracted political or sectarian violence that poses a potential
danger to American travelers. During the Islamic religious observance
of Moharram, sectarian rivalry and violence often increase. Family
feuds are frequently fatal and may be followed by retaliation. Women
do not walk out alone and it is not wise to travel in the streets late
at night. Travelers to Pakistan should attempt to maintain a low
profile, blend in, and seek security in the traveler's family or
sponsoring organization....
http://travel.state.gov/pakistan_warning.html
There is evidence of a potential threat to U.S. citizens and other
westerners in Pakistan from terrorists posing as street vendors or
beggars on busy streets. Americans are urged to avoid congested areas
where these individuals could approach their vehicles. Although the
high level of tension that existed last spring between India and
Pakistan has subsided, the risk of renewed tension cannot be ruled
out....
=====
Please look these over in full, and then let me know what sort of
additional information you need as an answer to your question. Thank
you.
pafalafa-ga
|
Clarification of Question by
deedub-ga
on
05 Dec 2003 16:14 PST
The DOS warnings are about Americans and other Westerners. My people
are Pakistani by origin. They have lived a long time outside Pakistan.
The son has never been there ever. Therefore, they will stand out as
"Western-acting" or "Western-looking" based on their language,
behavior and ideas.
Given the intense antipathy for America in Pakistan, and the general
level of violence, this might cause them trouble. What I need is
information about Pakistanis who are identified as "too American" or
"too Western." Alternatively, information that Ismailis (followers of
the Aga Khan) are persecuted; that Shi-ites are persecuted; that
"uppity women" divorced women are treated badly (in the cities as well
as in the rural areas).
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