On Sunday, 22nd December, the British Asian Christian Association (BACA) organized a heartwarming Christmas dinner to bring hope and joy to Christian families under their care. This special event aimed to foster a sense of belonging and encouragement for families who have endured significant hardships due to their vulnerable status in a predominantly Muslim society. The gathering offered these families an opportunity to connect, build solidarity, and find comfort in knowing they are not alone during challenging times. In attendance were several high-profile beneficiaries, many of whom face significant challenges that limit their ability to engage socially. Among them was…
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On 24th October 2024, two Christian brothers, Imran Denial (30) and Arslan Denial (24), were tragically gunned down by drug lords Ali Butt, Qadir Butt, and their accomplices in the bustling main bazaar of Rachna Town. The violence erupted following a heated confrontation when the brothers courageously refused to allow the sale of drugs in their hair salon. Imran was killed instantly, while Arslan succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital. Read more (here) The assailants’ rampage left a trail of devastation, with multiple rounds fired indiscriminately. Alongside the brothers, an innocent girl passing through the bazaar was…
The British Asian Christian Association (BACA) is witnessing an unprecedented surge in demand for its free hot meals service for the homeless in Ilford, as homelessness in London reaches record levels. Visitor numbers at BACA’s service have nearly doubled, with over 70 individuals, including families with young children, attending some distributions. BACA operates its hot meals service at the Clementswood Community Centre, Connaught Road, Ilford, every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 6 pm to 7 pm, and is now expanding its support by accepting donations of clothing and essential items during service hours. Homelessness at a Breaking Point Recent data…
On 14 April 2023, the Manipur High Court directed the state government to recommend Scheduled Tribe status for the Meitei community, a move later criticized by the Supreme Court. Protesting this demand, the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur organized peaceful marches on 3 May. Following one such march, clashes erupted between Kuki and Meitei groups near the Churachandpur and Bishnupur district border, escalating into widespread violence, house burnings, and targeted attacks. Within a week, 100 Kukis had been killed some burned alive within their own houses. (click here). Christmas celebrations were subdued and sombre in 2023 as nearly 200 bodies…
Date: 7th December 2024 Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee of the British Asian Christian Association (BACA), expresses her heartfelt gratitude for the tireless efforts of UK politicians working towards improving the human rights conditions for Pakistani Christians and other religious minorities. Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee of the British Asian Christian Association (BACA), has expressed her profound joy and appreciation for the significant progress made by UK politicians in both the House of Lords and the House of Commons regarding the issue of persecution of Christians in Pakistan. These developments are a beacon of hope for marginalized religious minorities who continue to endure abuse,…
On 28th November 2024, the House of Commons witnessed a crucial debate on the deteriorating state of religious freedom in Pakistan. MPs from across political lines came together to raise their voices against the systematic persecution faced by religious minorities, including Christians, Ahmadis, Shi’a Muslims, and the Baloch people. The session marked an important step in holding the Pakistani government accountable and galvanizing UK support for the human rights of these vulnerable communities. The debate began with Jim Shannon MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion or Belief, who delivered a compelling opening speech. He…
Here are my responses to Raymond Ibrahim’s request for information on the challenges faced by Christians in Pakistan. These contributions formed the basis of his article (here). Christians in Pakistan: A Struggle for Survival and Success In Pakistan, Christians face systemic barriers that make success incredibly difficult. These challenges are deeply ingrained in the social, economic, and political fabric of the country. Christians are often relegated to the most dangerous and menial jobs, with very little opportunity for upward mobility. Approximately 86% of Pak-Christians are relegated to low-status, blue-collar jobs, such as cleaning sewers, sweeping streets, and working in brick…
Shabbir Masih, the grieving father whose wife and son were brutally murdered in 2021 by an intolerant Muslim neighbor (click here), has requested the British Asian Christian Association (BACA) to continue the financial support that has sustained his lonely life over the last four years. The tragic incident stemmed from a dispute over the right of sewage water from the home of a Christian family to pass by a local Muslim shrine. On November 9th, 2021, Yasmeen Bibi (55) and her son Usman Masih (26) were savagely beaten, insulted, and ultimately shot dead by Hassan Shakoor Butt, incited by his…
The British Asian Christian Association (BACA) is committed to ensuring justice for Eman Khuram, a young Christian woman from Sheikhupura who endured the trauma of rape by a Muslim man. Eman and her family, devastated by the incident, reached out to BACA for support in their fight for justice. In a significant development, the court has cancelled the pre-arrest bail of the accused, signaling a crucial step forward in the legal proceedings. This decision underscores the strength of the evidence presented and the determination to hold the perpetrator accountable for this heinous crime. BACA has provided legal assistance, emotional support,…
On 19th November, in Churachandpur, Manipur, Kuki organizations held a massive “coffin rally” to honor and pay tribute to 10 Kuki-Zo youths who were killed in an alleged gunfight with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Jiribam district. The rally, which saw widespread participation, was marked by people wearing black shirts and carrying mock coffins as a tribute to the slain youths. The bodies of the victims remain in the morgue of a local hospital, pending the completion of post-mortem reports. The 20,000 strong rally was organized by the Zomi Students’ Federation (ZSF), Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), and Hmar…