A representative of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam in Toronto provided the following information on the above subjects during a telephone interview on 16 December 1993. The Khatme Nabuwat (the finality of the prophethood) is a "fanatic, fundamentalist, and extremist" religious group that ill-treats people who do not support its religious principles, such treatment including the physical elimination of individuals. Members of this group have made "firey speeches" against the Ahmadis and recommended killing Ahmadis and burning their houses and mosques. As a result of these speeches, some Ahmadis have been killed and their properties destroyed in different parts of Pakistan. The Khatme Nabuwat has many branches in Pakistan and some other countries, including the UK. The group circulates its "hit list" of Ahmadis among its branches in Pakistan.

The representative added that most but not all Ahmadis who received death threats from anti-Ahmadi groups were murdered.

A Montreal Gazette article provides information on the ill-treatment of an Ahmadi by members of a group called the Finality-of-the-Prophet Youth Force, which might be another name for the Khatme Nabuwat (the finality of the prophethood) (6 Feb. 1993).

The two attached articles, which provide information on the murder of two Ahmadis in Pakistan and Canada, presumably by extremist Sunni Muslims, might be useful.

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.

Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam, Toronto. 16 December 1993. Telephone interview with representative.

The Gazette [Montreal]. 6 February 1993. Final Edition. "Ahmadi Muslims Suffering at Hands of Pakistanis: Reports." (NEXIS)

The Gazette [Montreal]. 6 February 1993. Final Edition. "Ahmadi Muslims Suffering at Hands of Pakistanis: Reports." (NEXIS)

Inter Press Service. 19 September 1993. "Pakistan: Asia Watch Says Drive to Islamicize Laws Hurts Rights." (NEXIS)

The Toronto Star. 11 March 1993. Final Edition. Theresa Boyle. "Dead Driver's Son Links Attacks on Metro Cabbies." (NEXIS)