North-South Initiative executive director Adrian Pereira said Fawad’s wife, Syeda, would not be able to seek a judicial review if she returns home.

Pereira said Syeda “deserves some justice” since Putrajaya had violated the principle of non-refoulement by deporting Fawad last August.,

This principle guarantees that no one is returned to a country where he faces torture, cruel, inhumane, degrading treatment or punishment.

He urged immigration director-general Khairul Dzaimee Daud to approve the visa extension.

Syeda had written to Khairul for an extension for her visa to determine her husband’s whereabouts and what action she could take in Malaysia, if necessary.

It is understood that lawyer P Waytha Moorthy has written to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for the extension of the visa on behalf of Syeda and her brother.

Waytha urged Anwar to direct Khairul to issue both of them an extension to remain in Malaysia to find the truth about the whereabouts of her husband.

“Syeda should also be given full cooperation within or beyond the scope of the law,” Pereira added.

John Quinley of Fortify Rights said Malaysian authorities should work with Syeda as she seeks answers on her husband’s situation.

“Malaysia should protect refugees including journalists like Fawad.”

Fawad, 41, had been in exile in Malaysia for more than 10 years. He has been missing since Aug 23 last year.

He had sought asylum for alleged persecution in Pakistan over articles related to government corruption.

Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail subsequently confirmed Fawad was deported after the authorities received a request from Islamabad.