Asylum family face public meeting

The Karims say they face persecution in Pakistan

A family from Pakistan who have been refused asylum in the UK say they want to fight the decision "bravely".

Nigel and Pearl Karim and their two children, Crystal, 13, and Calvin, 11, fear they will be persecuted in Pakistan for their Christian beliefs.

Immigration officers now have warrants for their detention and removal.

Mrs Karim, who is seeking a judicial review, said the family would not go into hiding, they will wait for the necessary paperwork to come through.

"If we go into hiding it will be a criminal act against us and we are not criminals," she said.

We want to face it, and we want to face it bravely Pearl Karim

"We want to face it, and we want to face it bravely.

"We are waiting for the necessary paperwork to get through. God willing it will come through tomorrow morning."

Local people have mounted a campaign to keep the family in Nelson, Lancashire, - but the Home Office has rejected their appeals.

The family, who arrived in Lancashire in 2002, are liable for detention and removal from the UK because all of their appeals to stay have failed.

Immigration officers went to the family home on Thursday morning with warrants under the Immigration Act, but found it empty.

It was thought the family had gone missing but they later turned up at a public meeting held to highlight their plight.

Members of the family have been travelling around the North West to visit churches and schools to drum up support for their campaign.