A Pakistani national convicted for his role in a “sophisticated” drug-dealing network has avoided deportation after a UK tribunal ruled that returning him to Pakistan would “have a negative impact on his mental health.” The case of 22-year-old Muhammad Izhan comes at a time when the UK is experiencing a record surge in Pakistani asylum claims—many of which are filed by migrants who originally entered the country legally on temporary visas.
Izhan, who moved to the UK at age seven, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for dealing Class A and B drugs. His criminal history also included cautions for shoplifting and bringing a bladed weapon into school. Despite this, both First-Tier Tribunal Judge Samina Iqbal and Upper Tribunal Judge Luke Bulpitt ruled that he could remain in Britain. The tribunal highlighted his diagnoses of ADHD, PTSD and a cannabis-related behavioural disorder, arguing that deportation would pose a “high likelihood of significant deterioration in his mental health” and increase the risk of further drug-related behaviour.ehaviourla
The court also cited Izhan’s school records, noting that he had been considered a “star pupil,” played rugby for his school team, and received several awards. Judge Bulpitt further argued that Izhan would face “very significant obstacles to integration” if he was deported.
His case comes amid a dramatic rise in Pakistani nationals exploiting visa routes to file asylum applications. New government data reveals that almost 10,000 Pakistani nationals filed asylum claims in the UK last year after entering on temporary visas, raising concerns that official entry channels are being increasingly exploited. The migrants claimed asylum after entering on student, work, or visitor visas—around 24% of all such switches.
