The Asylum Service of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum issued and delivered today the decision revoking the international protection status of Javed Aslam, president of the Pakistani Community in Greece “The Unity.” This is the administrative continuation of the case highlighted by protothema.gr on February 16, when it was announced that the Service had initiated the revocation process and had called Aslam to submit his observations within 15 working days before a final decision was made.

According to information, the procedure was followed as prescribed: the individual submitted his memorandum, the Asylum Service re-examined his observations, which, according to sources from the Ministry of Migration, were emphatically rejected, as it was determined that “the reasons for which he had initially been granted international protection in Greece no longer exist.”

With the delivery of the decision, a new phase of the case opens: if he wishes, Javed Aslam can appeal to the Appeals Authority so that the case is reviewed at a second instance.

Timeline of the case

The first stage – as recorded in the initial report – began after the ministry was informed that, within two weeks, procedures for revoking international protection had been initiated for 33 third-country nationals (from Syria, Pakistan, Egypt, Iraq, etc.).

The ministry had signaled that the country was entering a period of “second review” for cases that, for various reasons, remained under protection “despite the existence of aggravating circumstances or doubts,” while, according to the report, Thanos Plevris is said to have given a clear directive to re-examine cases involving any criminal involvement.

In the same context, another case among these 33 stood out – the one highlighted by protothema.gr – when the asylum of a Palestinian was revoked after being recorded on video causing an incident in the Athens metro, verbally abusing an employee.

These 33 cases were part of a broader ongoing effort concerning the re-examination of asylum cases for various categories of migrants following the order of Thanos Plevris in July 2025, when he assumed the portfolio. Approximately 125 such revocations were made last year, while according to recent statements by the Minister of Migration, the number for the first half of 2026 alone will reach 1,000. For context, the corresponding number for the period 2013–2019 was only 19.

Who is Javed Aslam

Javed Aslam has been a well-known figure in public discussions on migration for years. He has appeared repeatedly on television shows, commented on issues concerning Pakistanis living in Greece, and expressed opinions on political and social matters, often sparking reactions.

Specific interventions include references to anti-racism protests with phrases that triggered debate, statements regarding religious representation and the mosque in Votanikos, and mentions of appearing in videos discussing issues such as cousin marriage under a religious framework.

Interpol, extradition request, and Mitarakis’ move

The protothema.gr report reminded that Aslam has been involved with Greek authorities and the judiciary due to prosecutions and charges against him in Pakistan. Among other things, references were made to a “red notice” and an extradition request, as well as the Pakistani Embassy in Greece hosting on its website an Interpol (2015) document listing the most wanted, in which he appeared.

Additionally, the Greek judiciary had unanimously rejected the extradition request to Pakistan. The administrative process of the case also includes the politically charged move in 2021: former Minister of Migration and Asylum, Notis Mitarakis, filed a cancellation request at the Athens Administrative Court against granting asylum to Aslam – an effort that, according to reports, did not overturn the situation at the time.