BACA has provided safe housing and financial support to the family of 14-year-old rape survivor Sumaira George after threats and intimidation from the perpetrators’ relatives. Sumaira was abducted and raped by a group of assailants in Sahiwal, with medical evidence confirming repeated sexual assault. Following arrests and partial bail granted to suspects, the family was forced to relocate for safety. BACA continues to support the family’s pursuit of justice, and seeks funding for urgent legal assistance ahead of upcoming court hearings.
Sumaira George, a fourteen-year-old Christian girl from Chak 82/6R in Sahiwal, was abducted and raped by Muhammad Zohaib and his cohorts. The incident occurred when Sumaira went to a clay oven to buy cooked chapatis. Muhammad Bilal and Nimra Bibi forcefully abducted her, slapped her, threatened her, and forced her onto the back seat of a motorbike driven by Muhammad Bilal. The abductors took Sumaira to the sitting room of Nimra Bibi, where Muhammad Zohaib and Muhammad Shazil were already present, and left her alone with Zohaib after locking the door.
Sumaira was raped and left unconscious in an unfinished plot near her home. She was rescued by her mother, Nasreen George, after a neighbor alerted her. The police recorded Sumaira’s statement and she was taken to District Headquarters Hospital, Sahiwal, where medical examinations confirmed repeated sexual assault.
An FIR (No. 1452/25) was registered under Sections 375 and 376 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Muhammad Zohaib and his cohorts were arrested, while Nimra Bibi secured pre-arrest bail. Zohaib was sent to the Punjab Forensic Science Agency for DNA analysis. Read more (here).
Following the arrests, influential relatives of the perpetrators pressured Sumaira’s family to drop the case. Fearing threats, Sumaira and her family temporarily moved in with relatives.
On 12th December, the British Asian Christian Association (BACA) visited the family and provided financial support to ease their burden. Nasreen George requested a safe house and legal assistance to pursue justice for her daughter. BACA promptly offered a safe house and began an appeal.
On 26th December, thanks to the generous support of BACA donors, a safe house was arranged near the court for Sumaira George and her family, allowing them to attend hearings conveniently. Sahil Masih, Sumaira’s elder brother, expressed his heartfelt gratitude:
“We are deeply thankful to all the donors who support BACA. Your contributions have provided our family with financial relief, a safe home, and hope during this incredibly difficult time. Because of your generosity, we now have a secure place to live while pursuing justice for my sister. We also request your continued support in providing legal assistance, so that those responsible for these crimes are held accountable.”
Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee of British Asian Christian Association (BACA), said:
“No family should ever have to face threats, intimidation, or pressure while pursuing justice for a loved one. It is deeply troubling that some families and friends attempt to protect perpetrators by threatening victims, effectively enabling serious crimes to go unpunished. This reflects a poor understanding of the value of justice and a troubling perception of Christians within parts of society. We are committed to supporting Sumaira and her family, not only by providing a safe home but also by helping them access legal representation. Laws like Qisas and Diyat, which allow coercion or bribery to influence justice, must be reformed or repealed to prevent known serious criminals from escaping accountability and to protect victims from further harm. Every victim deserves the protection of the law, and it is our responsibility to ensure that justice is served.”
Case Update:
The court granted bail to Muhammad Shazil and Bilal on 19th December, while Nimra Bibi had already obtained pre-arrest bail. The next hearing is scheduled for 5th January 2026. Due to financial constraints, the family cannot afford legal representation and has requested BACA’s assistance to ensure Sumaira’s case is properly defended in court.
