The TNFJ is described in press reports as an Iranian-backed political party that is the main organization representing the interests of Pakistan's Shia Muslims (The Guardian 14 July 1992; AFP 13 Oct. 1992; IPS 11 June 1994). In April 1993 the party's leader was Allama Sadjid Ali Naqvi (MEIR 20 Apr. 1993; AFP 13 Oct. 1992) and in October 1992 the TNFJ's "central secretary general" was Anwar Ali Akhundzada (ibid.).

In April 1993 the party decided to withdraw from the People's Democratic Alliance, a coalition led by the Pakistan People's Party (MEIR 20 Apr. 1993).

The TNFJ has been embroiled in sectarian violence but has denied responsibility for attacks by Shia militants on Sunnis. For instance, on 30 May 1992 a TNFJ leader was assassinated in Lahore (The Guardian 14 July 1992). A TNFJ spokesman indicated that his party was not responsible for the killing two days later of a leading member of the Anjuman Sipah-i-Sahaba (ASSP) in Gilgit, an act that sparked sectarian clashes that left 11 people dead (ibid.). The following October police in Peshawar arrested Akhundzada allegedly for the 1991 murder of a former governor of the North-West Frontier Province (AFP 13 Oct. 1992). TNFJ leader Naqvi stated at the time that Akhundzada was being "falsely" accused of the killing (ibid.).

According to a professor of political science specializing on Pakistan at Wake Forest University in North Carolina, census and other demographic data on Pakistan do not differentiate between Shias and Sunnis (21 July 1994). One estimate indicates that Shias represent about 20 per cent of Pakistan's population (AFP 13 Oct. 1992). For other population estimates, as well as additional background information on Shias in Pakistan and the TNFJ, please see the April 1994 DIRB report entitled Pakistan: Country Review, pages 13 and 21. The professor indicates that there are areas along the border with Afghanistan where Shias comprise a solid majority of the population, however, numerically there are more Shias in Sindh province than in the other provinces and regions of the country (21 July 1994).

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB 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.

Agence France Presse (AFP). 13 October 1992. "Main Pakistani Shiite Party to Launch Country-Wide Protest." (NEXIS)

The Guardian [London]. 14 July 1992. Gerald Bourke. "Troops Intervene in Pakistan Clashes." (NEXIS)

Inter Press Service (IPS). 11 June 1994. Beena Sarwar. "Regional Powers Settling 1,400-Year-Old Scores." (NEXIS)

Middle East Intelligence Report (MEIR). 20 April 1993. "Party Withdraws from PDA Coalition." (NEXIS)

Professor of political science specializing on Pakistan, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC. 21 July 1994. Telephone interview.

Agence France Presse (AFP). 13 October 1992. "Main Pakistani Shiite Party to Launch Country-Wide Protest." (NEXIS)

Middle East Intelligence Report (MEIR). 20 April 1993. "Party Withdraws from PDA Coalition." (NEXIS)