Ontario Review Board
Re: Muhammad Sajjad
ORB File No: 7519
Hearing held on: Thursday, October 16, 2025
Place of hearing: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health 1001 Queen Street West, Toronto
Pursuant to: Section 672.81(1) of the Criminal Code
Before:
Alternate Chairperson: Mr. J. Goldenberg
Members: Dr. M.V.A. Prakash Dr. M. Mamak Ms. M. den Haan Mr. S. Duffy
Parties Appearing:
Accused: Muhammad Sajjad Counsel: Mr. A. Rai
The person in charge of hospital: Counsel: Mr. D. Blumenkrans
Attorney General of Ontario: Counsel: Ms. V. Culp
REASONS FOR DISPOSITION
(Dated November 27, 2025)
Introduction
On March 26, 2019, Mr. Muhammad Sajjad was found not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder on charges of assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon dangerous, assault, utter threats (x5), and mischief (x2), all contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada. He is currently subject to a Disposition of the Ontario Review Board (the “Board”), dated September 19, 2024, detaining him at the Forensic Service of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto (“CAMH” or the “Hospital”).
On October 16, 2025, a panel of the Ontario Review Board convened at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health to review Mr. Sajjad’s current Disposition pursuant to s. 672.81(1) of the Criminal Code.
Mr. Sajjad was present at the hearing and was represented by his counsel, Mr. A. Rai. Mr. Sajjad was assisted by an Urdu-speaking interpreter.
Transfer to Pakistan
In response to a question from the Alternate Chair, Mr. Rai stated that Mr. Sajjad still wants to be transferred to Pakistan and has retained an immigration lawyer. Mr. Rai was provided with the immigration lawyer’s information through Mr. Sajjad’s case manager, but Mr. Rai has not been unable to obtain information as to the status of the immigration process.
Ms. Culp informed the Board that a few weeks prior to the hearing, a representative of the federal government reached out to the Attorney General’s office to gather information. It appears that Mr. Sajjad’s file is active and the federal government wished to know if Mr. Sajjad still wanted to be transferred. The Attorney General’s office requested a specific update on Mr. Sajjad’s file status from Correctional Services Canada, and Ms. Culp informed the Board that she expected to receive an update shortly after the hearing. The Attorney General provided consent to transfer Mr. Sajjad to Pakistan in 2021.
When asked by the Alternate Chair what Mr. Rai can do to facilitate the transfer process, Ms. Culp indicated that if Mr. Rai provided her with contact for the immigration lawyer, she would be able to provide that to Correctional Services Canada to confirm that Mr. Sajjad wishes to pursue the transfer request.
At this point, Mr. Sajjad stated “I don’t want to go to Pakistan.”
Position of the Parties
On behalf of the Hospital, Mr. Blumenkrans indicated that the Hospital recommended no change to the current Detention Order Disposition. He submitted that the level of detention should continue to read “at the Forensic Service.”
Counsel for the Attorney General indicated that she was likely to support the Hospital’s position on the Disposition after hearing the evidence.
Counsel for Mr. Sajjad indicated that for the purposes of the hearing, significant threat was not in issue. Mr. Sajjad agreed with the recommendation of the Hospital. If the Board were to specify a level of security for the Disposition, Mr. Rai indicated that his client’s position was that it should be a General Forensic Unit.
For the reasons set out below and based on the evidence before us, the panel finds that Mr. Sajjad continues to present a significant threat to the safety of the public. The panel finds that the necessary and appropriate Disposition in the circumstances is a continuation of the existing Detention Order Disposition in accordance with its terms and conditions, specifying detention on a General Forensic Unit at CAMH.
Current Diagnoses
- Schizoaffective Disorder (bipolar type)
Cannabis Use Disorder, in remission
Index Offences
- The circumstances of the index offences are summarized in last year’s Reasons as follows:
“On February 17, 2018, at approximately 3 pm, the accused, Mr. Muhammad Sajjad, and his roommate, the victim, Mr. Ahmad Imtiaz, were in their apartment at 80 Orenda Court, Brampton. They became involved in a heated verbal argument over a bag that Mr. Sajjad brought into the unit, with the victim wanting to know its contents. The argument escalated, and Mr. Sajjad pulled a knife out of his pocket, pointed it towards the victim, and threatened to kill him. The victim, fearing for his safety, left the apartment and contacted police. The victim did not sustain any injuries or require medical assistance.
On April 16, 2018, at approximately 7:40 pm, the victims, Mr. Ahmad Imtiaz and Mr. Imtiaz Ahmad were sleeping in separate bedrooms of their apartment at 80 Orenda Court, Brampton, when Mr. Sajjad entered the apartment and created a large amount of noise. The victims awoke and yelled at Mr. Sajjad to "shut up." Mr. Sajjad then grabbed a large black and silver kitchen knife, pointed it at the complainant victim and yelled, "I am going to butcher you and your dad" in an aggressive manner. He proceeded to slash the wall with the knife, resulting in a large scratch in the living room and causing approximately$100 in damages. The victim became fearful for his safety and left the residence in order to call police. At the time of the incident, Mr. Sajjad was subject to an undertaking, dated February 17, 2018, which specified that he not contact or communicate in any way with the victim, Mr. Ahmad Imtiaz.
On May 5, 2018, at approximately 12:20 pm, Mr. Sajjad went to the front of 80 Orenda Court without a police escort, and spoke to the victim, Mr. Imtiaz, who told him to leave. In response, Mr. Sajjad stated, "I am a dangerous person, you got me arrested two times, I will kill you." The victim feared for his safety and contacted police who attended the address. At the time of the incident, Mr. Sajjad was still subject to the undertaking, dated February 18, 2018, prohibiting contact with Mr. Imtiaz. He was also subject to a recognizance, dated, April 19, 2018, that specified that he not attend anywhere on the street of Orenda Court, Brampton, except on one occasion in the company of a Peel police officer to retrieve personal belongings.
On May 27, 2018, at approximately 4:51 p.m. Mr. Sajjid attended 80 Orenda Court. As Mr. Imtiaz, was entering the main elevator to return to his unit, Mr. Sajjad informed him that he would be attending his residence to retrieve his outstanding property. When the victim told him to leave, he responded, "I will come get my property and I will kill you," and aggressively kicked the victim, making contact with his right leg. The victim then exited the elevator fearing for his safety and contacted the police. The victim did not sustain any injuries during the incident.
At the time of the incident, Mr. Sajjad was subjected to an undertaking, dated February 18, 2018, which specified that he not contact or communicate in any way either directly or indirectly with the victim, Mr. Ahmad Imtiaz. He was also subject to a recognizance, dated May 5, 2018, which specified that he not attend anywhere on the street of Orenda Court, Brampton.
On July 3, 2018, Mr. Sajjad entered Mike’s Hair Salon located at 2 Kennedy Road South, Brampton and began to cause a disturbance. When the victim asked him to leave the salon, he refused, began screaming, and stated, "I have a knife and I will kill you." The victim, fearing for his safety, contacted police. On July 6, 2018, the victim at the hair salon contacted police regarding Mr. Sajjad trespassing at the same address. He stated that he still feared for his safety, as Mr. Sajjad had mental health issues.”
Background
Mr. Sajjad’s history and background are outlined in the Hospital Report dated September 19, 2025 which has been made an exhibit, and therefore it is unnecessary to repeat the information. The following information is of note.
Mr. Sajjad is 54 years old and was born in Pakistan. He is the youngest of eight children. He was married in 1998 and came to the United States in 2006. Mr. Sajjad’s spouse and four adult children continue to reside in Pakistan.
Mr. Sajjad’s first contact with the mental health system was while living in Pakistan. After his move to the United States in 2006, Mr. Sajjad worked in the United States. He was hospitalized several times due to depression. He moved to Canada in 2017.
In December 2017, Mr. Sajjad was brought to the Brampton Civic Hospital by police due to “inappropriate behaviour” and exhibiting “manic symptoms.” Mr. Sajjad was discharged after several days as he did not agree to remain in hospital. He was provided with a three-month prescription for olanzapine and diagnosed with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, mania. Within three weeks, Mr. Sajjad was returned to hospital by police after he was disruptive in a bank. Mr. Sajjad endorsed grandiose delusions of possessing special or supernatural mental and physical powers, and his urine drug screen was positive for cannabinoids. He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and cannabis use disorder.
Mr. Sajjad was hospitalized several more times in early 2018, then on October 1, 2018, Mr. Sajjad attended the emergency room presenting with depression/suicidal. He was detained on a Form 1 as he was deemed to be unable to care for himself and at risk of harm to himself.
Following the NCR verdict in March 2019, Mr. Sajjad was admitted to the Forensic Assessment and Treatment Unit at CAMH. He was subsequently transferred to a Secure Forensic Unit, then to a General Forensic Unit by February of 2020.
In 2019, Mr. Sajjad made a refugee claim. This was denied on June 18, 2019, and his appeal from this decision was dismissed on August 20, 2019. Consequently, Mr. Sajjad currently has no legal status in Canada, and he is subject to a removal order dated October 24, 2019 when he is no longer under the jurisdiction of the ORB.
In May 2020, the treatment team spoke with a psychiatrist in Pakistan who had cared for Mr. Sajjad in the past. This psychiatrist confirmed that he would be able to provide care for Mr. Sajjad should he transfer back to Pakistan, and that Mr. Sajjad’s family had the means to support his medical needs. Mr. Sajjad’s desire to return to Pakistan has fluctuated, but as a general rule he has voiced a desire to return to Pakistan to be with his family. Information received from the psychiatrist in Pakistan was that Mr. Sajjad’s wife and children or willing to support Mr. Sajjad’s care and understand his mental health issues. The treatment team at that time was satisfied that if Mr. Sajjad were to return to Pakistan, he would have adequate support and supervision.
On December 11, 2023, Mr. Sajjad was discharged from the General Forensic Unit to a community residence with 24-hour support.
Evidence at the Hearing
Dr. Pearce is Mr. Sajjad’s treating psychiatrist and adopted the contents of the Hospital Report. He testified that there are no material updates to the Hospital Report. Mr. Sajjad continues to reside in the community in 24/7 supervised housing. Mr. Sajjad takes his medication, and he is cooperative with the treatment team and staff at his residence. Mr. Sajjad has not experienced symptoms of his mental illness during the treatment year. Mr. Sajjad smokes cannabis occasionally, but no resulting deterioration of his mental state has been noted.
Mr. Sajjad’s immigration lawyer, Debbie Rachlis, has not provided the treatment team with recent updates about the immigration process. Dr. Pearce stated that Mr. Sajjad changes his mind whether he wants to go to Pakistan to visit his family or to reside there permanently.
Dr. Pearce stated that he hopes it will be possible to sort out Mr. Sajjad’s immigration status soon as the treatment team has encountered difficulties during the treatment year as a result. Dr. Pearce stated that it is possible that Mr. Sajjad’s OHIP coverage will be discontinued within one month. The Ontario Ministry of Health has indicated that they will not renew Mr. Sajjad’s health care card.
As of the date of the hearing, Dr. Pearce testified that Mr. Sajjad’s housing is stable, but if there is a concern with him not having OHIP coverage, there may be difficulties. If Mr. Sajjad loses his housing, there will be no alternative but to return him to the Hospital. Dr. Pearce is hopeful that it will be possible to convince the Ministry to renew Mr. Sajjad’s health care card. An OHIP card is required to see a doctor (psychiatrist and family doctor).
In response to questions from the panel, Dr. Pearce testified that a lack of OHIP coverage will mean that Dr. Pearce is not paid as he normally would be for treating Mr. Sajjad. From his experience he believes that absent OHIP coverage, Mr. Sajjad’s family doctor is not likely to see Mr. Sajjad at all.
If Mr. Sajjad’s OHIP coverage is discontinued, Dr. Pearce does not know if Mr. Sajjad will still be eligible for ODSP. Dr. Pearce thinks that Mr. Sajjad’s ODSP coverage will likely continue but is not certain. Medication is the main risk management tool for Mr. Sajjad’s illness, and Mr. Sajjad’s medication is covered by ODSP. If Mr. Sajjad’s ODSP coverage is denied, the only alternative will be for Mr. Sajjad to return to Hospital in order to have his medications covered. In addition, ODSP currently directly pays the rent for Mr. Sajjad’s accommodation.
In response to questions from counsel for the Attorney General, Dr. Pearce testified that Mr. Sajjad’s case worker emails the immigration lawyer monthly but has not been provided with updates.
Mr. Sajjad currently resides in 24/7 supervised housing. He does not need this for risk mitigation purposes, but it is the current placement that was available for Mr. Sajjad.
In response to a question from the Alternate Chair, Dr. Pearce testified that Mr. Sajjad has been on a Detention Order Disposition continuously since 2019 but began residing in the community in December of 2023. When Mr. Sajjad was in Hospital prior to moving into the community, he was residing in a General Forensic Unit.
No further evidence was called.
Analysis and Conclusions
At the end of the hearing, the Hospital and counsel for Mr. Sajjad maintained their initial positions. Ms. Culp indicated that in light of the evidence at the hearing, the Attorney General supported the position of the Hospital with respect to continuation of the Disposition. She submitted that based on the evidence, if the level of detention was to be specified, it should be on the General Forensic Service.
Having heard and considered the entirety of the evidence, the Board agrees with the parties’ joint submission that Mr. Sajjad remains a significant threat to the safety of the public. In the Board’s opinion, that risk is real and substantial. Mr. Sajjad’s illness is well controlled by his medication, and in Dr. Pearce’s words it is the main risk management factor. Mr. Sajjad’s insight is very limited and absent the support of the Hospital while under the jurisdiction of the Board, it is likely that Mr. Sajjad would discontinue treatment.
The Board notes the composite assessment of risk as set out in the Hospital Report. The risk assessment is based on Mr. Sajjad’s psychotic illness, history of aggression in the context of psychosis, history of medication noncompliance, limited insight, substance use disorder, and the risk of deteriorating absent the mandated structure and supervision afforded by the ORB. If Mr. Sajjad were to discontinue treatment or he were to lose his housing, Mr. Sajjad would likely return to cannabis use, become psychotic in a matter of weeks or months, and then it is likely that he would cause serious physical or psychological harm to members of the public.
In light of the Board's finding of significant threat, it is charged with shaping a Disposition for the coming year. The parties jointly submitted that the necessary and appropriate Disposition is a continuation of the current Detention Order.
The Board finds independently based on the evidence before it that the joint submission of the parties is appropriate. It is clear from Dr. Pearce’s evidence that while Mr. Sajjad may not require 24/7 supervision, it is necessary for the Hospital to have the ability to approve Mr. Sajjad’s housing.
In light of the difficulties posed by Mr. Sajjad’s immigration status including the possibility of him losing OHIP and ODSP coverage, it is imperative that the Hospital have the ability to return him to Hospital if needed to ensure that he continues to receive necessary care and medication.
The Hospital submitted that the Disposition should continue to read “at the Forensic Service.” This panel finds that pursuant to s. 672.54 of the Criminal Code, it has the obligation to direct the level of supervision under a Detention Order rather than delegate that responsibility to the Hospital. The panel emphasizes the language of subsection 672.54 (c) in that the conditions to be placed in a Detention Order are the conditions "as the court or Review Board considers appropriate.” [emphasis added]
Counsel for the Attorney General submitted that, based on the evidence given by Dr. Pearce, if the Board chooses to designate a level of security, a General Forensic Unit would be the appropriate level of security. Counsel for Mr. Sajjad agreed that if the level of security is to be specified, it should be a General unit.
The evidence was clear that Mr. Sajjad was residing in a General unit at CAMH prior to his discharge into the community, and the panel finds that it is appropriate to designate a General Forensic Unit as the level within the Detention Disposition.
At the conclusion of the hearing, the Alternate Chair strongly encouraged Mr. Sajjad to discuss with his counsel whether or not he wished to return to Pakistan to live. The Board adopts the reasoning of last year’s panel with respect to approval of a transfer of Mr. Sajjad to Pakistan.
DATED this 27^th^ day of November, 2025, at the City of Toronto, in the Toronto Region.
Ms. M. den Haan
Legal Member
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Office of the Registrar
Ontario Review Board