The British Asian Christian Association (BACA) has reached a historic milestone with the purchase of its first safe house in Pakistan—a vital refuge for persecuted Christian families facing serious threats to their lives. Designed with security and dignity at its core, the safe house will provide immediate protection, care, and hope to families forced to flee violence and intimidation.
VIDEO: Hannah Chowdhry at the site of BACA’s new safe house, a vital refuge for persecuted Christian families.
The British Asian Christian Association (BACA) has reached a deeply significant milestone with the purchase of its first-ever safe house in Pakistan. This property will serve as a lifeline for persecuted Christian families who are forced to flee their homes after receiving threats from perpetrators and powerful oppressors. For these vulnerable families, the safe house represents far more than shelter—it offers safety, dignity, and the chance to begin healing.
In November, BACA Trustee Juliet Chowdhry travelled to Pakistan to personally finalise the purchase. Her visit ensured that the property met critical requirements for security, privacy, and accessibility—essential factors for families who often arrive traumatised, displaced, and in urgent need of protection. The property is located on the outskirts of a major city in an established Christian conclave.
To transform the property into a secure and fully functional refuge, BACA appointed a professional architect to design the layout of the safe house. The initial architectural plans have now been completed with careful attention to safety, practicality, and the needs of families living under extreme stress.
The ground floor design includes:
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A secure bedroom
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A lounge area labelled as TV lounge by architect
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An open kitchen
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An office space for BACA staff and SecurityPLAM-01
The office will serve as a secure operational base for BACA officers, enabling them to support victims immediately upon arrival while also conducting confidential interviews with those seeking help. It will allow sensitive case files to be stored safely and securely, ensure proper coordination of legal, medical, and emergency assistance, and provide a protected environment where trained staff and on-site security can safeguard both victims and personnel at all time.
During times of urgent need, the lounge can also be converted into additional sleeping areas, enabling the safe house to accommodate larger families without compromising comfort or safety. The first floor mirrors the same layout, allowing the safe house to host two large persecuted families at the same time.
At present, the building is not yet liveable and remains in a state of disrepair, requiring significant construction and renovation work before families can be accommodated. However, with the necessary funds and support in place, we are hopeful that the safe house will be fully operational in the New Year, providing urgent protection and stability to persecuted Christian families without further delay.
The next critical step is construction. BACA plans to begin by building the ground floor so that the safe house can become operational as quickly as possible. The estimated cost for this first phase of construction is £12,000. We have already raised £5,000 towards this goal; however, to maximise the safety and long-term sustainability of the project, we aim to build to the full extent of the allotted land. In addition, the roof will be constructed to a reinforced standard, allowing for the future development of a second floor when further funds become available. The architectural plans include provision for this future expansion, ensuring that the safe house can grow over time to meet increasing needs.
This safe house is more than bricks and mortar. It is a sanctuary for the oppressed, a shield for the vulnerable, and a tangible expression of hope for families who have lost everything. With your support, we can turn this vision into a place of safety, healing, and renewed life for persecuted Christian families in Pakistan.
