A FAMILY who feared for their lives after being deported to Pakistan from East Lancashire are living nervously, but normally, according to friends.

Nigel, 53 and Pearl, 44, and children Calvin, 13 and Crystal, 14, were sent back to their home country from their Nelson home after a failed asylum bid.

The family had always maintained their lives would be in danger if they returned to Pakistan because of their Catholic faith.

They received support from East Lancashire church leaders, schools and the community in their bid to stay.

But they were deported in June.

Since, friends said the family had moved to an apartment in Karachi and were living as a normal a life as possible.

When they initially went over they were living in hiding.

Pearl has found work as a teacher at the children's school but Nigel is not working and only goes out at night.

Both children are attending school but Calvin is having problems because he cannot speak the language, according to Coun Ann Kerrigan, a supporter of the Karims.

Coun Kerrigan, who spoke to the family on Sunday, said: "They are all nervous because the political climate has changed so much over the last few months.

"Nigel does not go out very often because he is nervous about going outside. So he only goes out in the dark.

"Pearl is working in a school and they are trying to live as normal lives as possible.

"Their supporters have continued to help to ensure they are safe."

Supporters, who have continued to provide backing for the family, have kept in touch with the family via the internet using MSN messenger and through telephone calls.

Mrs Karim's cousin was murdered shortly before the family left for the UK five years ago, and it is thought the killers were after her husband because of his religious beliefs.

Earlier this year, Mr Karim said there was a poster in his home country offering a £6,000 reward for his death.