Update on the Siraji Family – Urgent Call to Action
As many in our congregation know, James Bay United Church is part of a sponsorship group working to bring the Siraji family, Afghan refugees currently sheltering in Islamabad, safely to Canada.
While we have made great progress in the application process, we have encountered some delays. Worse, they are now facing serious and immediate threats. In recent weeks, the Pakistani government has issued edicts ordering the removal of all Afghan refugees—regardless of their circumstances or destination. This means the Siraji family could be forcibly returned to Afghanistan, where their lives would be in grave danger due to their history of directly supporting and providing education for women and girls.
In addition to this alarming development, the family is living in dangerously hot conditions, sheltering in one room with a metal roof during a period of increasing heat in Islamabad.
They have done everything asked of them and are simply waiting for the final steps—interviews with the High Commission and the Pakistan exit visa interview—before they can travel. Yet the wait continues, and each day heightens their risk.
What You Can Do to Help
In response to this urgent situation, we are launching a letter-writing campaign to urge the Minister of Immigration and other key political leaders to act quickly.
We’ve made it easy to get involved. Please see the attached documents:
• A template letter you can personalize
• A list of email addresses and mailing contacts for key political decision-makers
• A step-by-step guide on how to participate effectively in the campaign
This is a real and tangible way to make a difference. Your letter—your voice—can help protect this family and bring them safely to the community that is ready and waiting to welcome them.
Please continue to keep the Siraji family in your thoughts and prayers—and join us in turning compassion into action.