Saskatoon refugee claimant Jamila Bibi appeal denied

The Federal Court of Canada has decided against hearing an appeal from Jamila Bibi.

The 65-year-old woman was deported from Canada to her native Pakistan in September. She had been living in Saskatoon since 2007.

When it became clear she would be deported, Bibi's friends began a campaign to keep the woman in Canada.

Bibi's lawyer says this was her last chance in the legal system.

"Because Ms. Jamila was legally deported...she has now been banned to enter Canada for life," said her lawyer, Bashir Khan.

Khan maintains the federal government deported Bibi illegally, because both parties were waiting for a ruling from the United Nations Office of Human Rights. The Federal Court refused to hear that argument.

Eventually, the United Nation's Committee against Torturelifted its request that Canada not deport JamilaBibi, citing evidence presented by the federal government.

Bibi said she feared for her life if she was returned to Pakistan. She said she was the target of violent attacks from her ex-husband's family and feared the prospect of an "honour killing"if she returned.

Khan has not heard from his client since she was deported in September.

The lawyer believes Bibi's claim could have been successful had she appealed an earlier decision from the Immigrant and Refugee Board of Canada, something that wasn't done. He says Bibi was a victim of poverty.

"Ms. Bibi did not have any money to file an appeal," said Khan. "If she had filed, I can say with a great amount of confidence and security, she would have won."