Background on Zafar Bhatti’s Case Zafar Bhatti, a Pakistani Christian and the longest-serving blasphemy prisoner in Pakistan’s history, has been wrongfully convicted in a case that has sparked widespread concern among human rights advocates. In 2022, after years of unjust imprisonment, he was sentenced to death on false blasphemy charges, accused of sending blasphemous text messages. Throughout his ordeal, Zafar has vehemently maintained his innocence, insisting that he was framed due to religious discrimination and deep-seated hostility toward Pakistan’s Christian minority. His case is yet another example of how blasphemy laws are weaponized against vulnerable religious communities, leading to severe…
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In October, two Christian brothers were murdered after refusing to participate in drug trafficking for Muslim drug lords in Rachna Town, a suburb of Lahore. One brother died at the scene, while the other succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital (click here). BACA successfully secured the cancellation of pre-arrest bails for the murderers of Imran and Arslan Masih to expedite a fair investigation. Their solicitor filed an application with the District Police Officer (DPO) of Sheikhupura, who, upon discovering no arrests had been made, demanded an explanation from the Investigation Officer within 14 days. Police raids…
Nabeel Masih, who became Pakistan’s youngest blasphemy convict at age 16 (click here), faces renewed threats of punishment and re-arrest. Despite the Home Department’s clear denial of permission to prosecute, the court has unlawfully removed a section from the charge sheet, exceeding its procedural powers. Terrified of re-arrest, Nabeel pleads for prayers and global advocacy. In response, BACA’s solicitor, Naseeb Anjum, had filed a writ petition at the Lahore High Court challenging the trial court’s order but this was refused by prejudiced judges (click here). The court has restarted proceedings in Nabeel Masih’s case after removing a major section from…
The British Asian Christian Association has installed a washroom facility for the Christian and Hindu communities of Saif Ul Mari, Sindh, following the installation of a water pump last year. This new washroom facility, now available right at their doorstep, will significantly reduce waterborne and water-related health risks for the community members. Additionally, we are providing toothbrushes, toothpaste, and soaps, while also educating the community on the importance and benefits of improved hygiene. The washrooms also help restore dignity to both women and men, who will no longer need to bathe in rivers and streams. Instead, they now have access…
A young man from a Christian family, Farhan Masih (28), from Chak No. 134/9L, was arrested under Pakistan’s blasphemy law on 26th January 2025. He has been taken into judicial remand at Sahiwal Jail, and his family fears for their safety. On 28th January 2025, the BACA team visited Farhan’s family and met with Parveen Akhtar (65), who recounted the details of his struggles. She explained that Farhan earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2014 from Khairpur and had been working at a local clinic. However, two years ago, he lost his job after falling into drug…
A Christian asylum-seeker mother in Thailand has sought assistance from the British Asian Christian Association (BACA) to secure the release of her children, who remain detained in an Immigration Detention Center (IDC), in Bangkok. The family was arrested during an immigration raid in October last year. While the mother and her youngest son who requires special care have been released on bail, the rest of the family continues to endure the harsh conditions of detention, awaiting their freedom. BACA is actively working to support the family and advocate for releasing the three remaining family members. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-f5KSzbwgw On the afternoon of…
The British Asian Christian Association (BACA) has made a significant contribution to those affected by the ongoing crisis in Manipur, India, by sending a large assistance grant of £1000 to Rev. Dr. S. Chongloi, Principal of Restoration Theological College and Assistant Executive Secretary of the Kuki Christian Church Manipur Synod. This generous donation was used to purchase 100 jackets, which were distributed among children at two relief camps in Imphal. Rev. Mangkholen Kipgen, along with his wife Mrs. Paotinlen Lhanghal and two other volunteers, played a key role in ensuring the successful distribution of the jackets. The distribution took place…
The British Asian Christian Association (BACA) has welcomed the heartening commitment of Joe Powell, MP for Kensington & Bayswater, to the global fight against religious persecution. In a recent email response to BACA Trustee Juliet Chowdhry, Mr. Powell expressed his unwavering support for defending freedom of religion or belief and standing against oppression in all its forms. Mr. Powell acknowledged the alarming rise in violence against Christians worldwide, citing data from Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List. According to the report, nearly 5,000 Christians were killed for their faith in 2023, with 90% of these deaths occurring in Nigeria. Additionally,…
In a deeply disheartening development, the Chunian District Court has acquitted all primary accused in the brutal murder of Saleem Masih. The judge granted the benefit of the doubt to the accused, citing insufficient evidence to secure a conviction. The British Asian Christian Association (BACA) has expressed profound disappointment at this verdict and has promptly filed a petition at the Lahore High Court, challenging the judgment. BACA remains committed to seeking justice for Saleem Masih and ensuring accountability for this heinous crime. On 10th October, the Chunian District Court acquitted all accused in the murder of Saleem Masih, a 22-year-old…
A recent series of violent incidents in Manipur have led to widespread international outrage following the brutal assault on Kuki-Zo women by security forces. The attacks, which occurred on 31st December 2024, left over 30 women severely injured as they courageously defended their homes and land from encroachment. This marks the latest chapter in a long history of targeted violence against the Kuki-Zo community, with many villages, churches, and homes having been destroyed as part of an ongoing campaign of persecution. Read more about the attacks on the Kuki-zo community (here), (here), (here), (here), (here), (here), (here) and (here) Kuki-Zo…