For recent information on sectarian conflict between Sunnis and Shi'is, please consult the following April 1999 Responses: PAK31579.E of 12 April 1999 on sectarian violence between the Sunni extremist militant group the Sipah-e/i-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP) and the TJP; PAK31581.E of 13 April 1999 on the Shi'i political party, Tekrik/Tehreek-e-Jafria Pakistan (TJP); PAK31582.E of 15 April 1999 on the police response to victims of SSP violence; and PAK31672.E of 21 April 1999 on the SSP.

Additional information on sectarian violence can be found in the July 1998 Human Rights Information Package: Pakistan and its January 1999 supplement, and in the IMR for Pakistan.

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 to refugee status or asylum.