Activist Gulalai Ismail ‘escapes’ to New York, applies for political asylum – Pakistan

Human rights activist Gulalai Ismail escaped from the Pakistani authorities last month and arrived in the United States, where she applied for political asylum. New York Times reported Thursday.

The US publication said the 32-year-old woman currently resides with her sister in Brooklyn, New York.

She has not revealed how she managed to leave the country. All he revealed was: "I didn't fly out of any airport."

"I can't tell you anything else" NYT He quoted her saying during an interview. "My exit story will put many lives at risk."

According to NYT, no government official was willing to comment publicly on the matter. Security officials said they suspected Ismail had left the country.

In November of last year, the High Court of Islamabad was informed that Intelligence between Services (ISI) had recommended putting Ismail's name on the Exit Control List (ECL) for its alleged anti-state activities abroad.

Following a request from Ismail that questioned the government's decision to put its name on the ECL, the Islamabad High Court had ordered the removal of its name from the list.

However, the court had allowed the interior ministry to take appropriate measures, including the confiscation of its passport, in light of the recommendations made by ISI.

According to the NYT According to the report, Ismail has been a fugitive since late May. "Security services were looking for her in every corner of the country, raided her friends' houses and approached her family," he said.

The report added that Ismail is still worried about his parents in Islamabad "who face terrorist financing charges and remain under strict surveillance."

In recent days, according to reports, he has met with several "human rights defenders" in the United States and with staff of congressional leaders.

"I will do everything I can to support Gulalai's asylum application," said Senator Charles Schumer, a member of the Democratic Party in New York. "It is clear that his life would be in danger if he returned to Pakistan."

Ismail has launched a research and defense group called Voices for Peace and Democracy aimed at protecting women in areas affected by conflict in the world. "She is also thinking about law school," he said. NYT.