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…
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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…
The British Asian Christian Association (BACA) continues to provide unwavering support to the orphaned children of Shama and Shehzad, the young Christian couple who were tragically tortured and burned alive in 2014 after false accusations of blasphemy. This heinous act left their children orphaned and in need of care, which BACA has steadfastly provided over the years. During a visit in November 2024 to celebrate Sonia’s 13th birthday, the children expressed a heartfelt request to BACA: they wished for winter clothing and shoes for Christmas. True to its commitment, BACA ensured their wish became a reality. On December 23rd, a…
On December 21st, 2024, the British Asian Christian Association (BACA) brought Christmas joy to the Christian and Hindu communities of Ibrahim Khan Mari, Sindh, with a special meal and a delicious Christmas cake. This heartfelt gesture of love, hope, and gratitude was a reminder to these families, who endure difficult living conditions and low wages working on Muslim landlords’ farms, that they are not forgotten. Over 20 families gathered to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, sharing in worship, a message of faith, and a festive meal that brought light to their holiday season. On 21st December 2024, the British…
Pakistani Christian asylum-seeking families in Bangkok, Thailand, came together on December 24th for a heartwarming Christmas celebration hosted by the British Asian Christian Association (BACA). Held at Joyous Celebration Church, the event provided over 20 families with a rare opportunity to share the festive spirit, savor traditional Pakistani cuisine and witness children’s heartfelt performances of Christian worship songs and traditional carols. With gifts for children, food grants for families, and a delicious cake-cutting ceremony, the celebration brought much-needed joy and connection to those who have endured years of hardship while awaiting resettlement. Bangkok, Thailand – December 25, 2024 Pakistani Christian…
After a Christian teenager was abducted and raped by a Muslim man, the British Asian Christian Association (BACA) stepped in to support the victim with legal representation and advocacy. In a significant development, the pre-arrest bail of the rapist, Ansar Shah, has been canceled by both the Sessions Court in Sheikhupura and the Lahore High Court, signaling progress in the fight for justice. BACA has been instrumental in gathering crucial evidence and assisting the police in a raid on Shah’s residence. Despite these efforts, Shah remains a fugitive, hiding at an unknown location to evade arrest. To prevent his escape…