BACA Safe Houses Offer Essential Sanctuary for Blasphemy Victims Nabeel Masih and Zafar Bhatti
The British Asian Christian Association (BACA) continues to stand by blasphemy victims and their families in Pakistan, offering vital support and security through its safe houses. The ongoing assistance provided to young Nabeel Masih and longtime detainee Zafar Bhatti illustrates how these safe houses are critical to the survival, dignity, and well-being of those targeted by blasphemy laws.
Nabeel Masih: Reclaiming Life and Dignity After Imprisonment
Nabeel Masih, arrested at 16 and held in prison under horrific conditions, has found a new chance at life through BACA’s safe house support. Since his release on bail in 2021, BACA has provided him with not only secure shelter but also the tools and education needed to overcome the trauma he endured. During his imprisonment, Nabeel experienced intense isolation and abuse, resulting in emotional distress and severe physical issues, including the development of lipomas that were surgically removed after his release.
BACA’s provision of a private tutor has enabled Nabeel to learn essential subjects, and, for the first time, he has been able to read the Bible, a significant personal milestone. Understanding Nabeel’s interest in learning a practical skill, BACA arranged for him to take hair-cutting classes at a reputable centre and supplied him with a motorcycle to ensure safe, independent travel. The safe house has been more than just a physical shelter—it has allowed Nabeel the freedom to learn, grow, and reclaim a sense of normalcy and purpose.
Zafar Bhatti and Nawab Bibi: Stability and Care for Longtime Victims of Blasphemy Persecution
For Zafar Bhatti, who has been imprisoned for over a decade on blasphemy charges, and his wife Nawab Bibi, BACA’s safe house has been a lifeline. Nawab Bibi, now 76 years old, lives alone but with the essential security and support offered by BACA. This arrangement allows her to remain close to Zafar, as BACA ensures that she receives regular medical care and assistance for her day-to-day needs, including groceries, medication, and help with health issues like high blood pressure and seasonal respiratory ailments. Recently, when Nawab’s vision began to fail, BACA promptly arranged for cataract surgery, restoring her sight.
Each month, BACA arranges for Nawab to visit her husband in Adiala Jail, supplying Zafar with necessary groceries and medications. This consistent care relieves some of the burdens and isolation he faces in prison, offering both husband and wife a sense of connection and stability amid otherwise harsh conditions.
Legal Advocacy and Ongoing Support for Zafar Bhatti and Nabeel Masih
Both Nabeel and Zafar face enduring legal battles. Nabeel’s case has been protracted, with frequent hearings at Pattoki Courts that require extensive travel from the safe house. To ensure Nabeel’s security, we have implemented a rigorous travel protocol, including the presence of an armed guard and the use of bullet-proof vests for both Nabeel and our staff. Despite significant judicial delays, BACA remains committed to seeing his case resolved. For Zafar, the stakes are even higher, as he continues to face a death sentence. BACA enlisted the prominent blasphemy defense lawyer Saif Ul Malook to lead his case, and recent months have seen increased court activity, raising hopes for a fair outcome.
The Essential Role of BACA’s Safe Houses
BACA’s safe houses are essential sanctuaries for victims of blasphemy laws, providing more than shelter—they offer hope, education, safety, and emotional support. Through these safe houses, BACA has been able to give Nabeel a new lease on life, ensure Nawab Bibi’s dignity in old age, and sustain Zafar Bhatti’s hope for freedom. By offering critical support, BACA’s safe houses play an indispensable role in protecting vulnerable individuals and restoring their ability to lead fulfilling lives, despite the challenges they face.
BACA Rescues Two Christian Families from Sexual Violence and Brick Kiln Slavery
In 2016, our charity successfully rescued a rape victim, Fouzia Sadiq, from her abductor by secretly providing her with a mobile phone and transporting her to safety. Unfortunately, due to the lack of immediate secure housing, her family—under severe societal pressure—returned Fouzia to her captor (click here). Despite this setback, we managed to help Fouzia escape once more and ultimately secured a divorce for her (rather than an annulment) to protect her from accusations of an “illicit affair,” which could have endangered her life, even though she was entirely innocent (click here). . This experience underscored the critical need for a permanent safe house where rape victims can receive immediate protection and care. We are committed to establishing this resource to prevent similar situations in the future.
October 23, 2024 – Lahore, Pakistan: Two young Christian women, Nagina Bibi (14) and Sunaiha Arif (18), who endured horrific sexual violence and exploitation, have been freed from brick kiln slavery and are rebuilding their lives with the support of the British Asian Christian Association (BACA). The rescue marks a crucial step toward justice for the victims and recovery for their families.
Nagina Bibi’s Abduction and Abuse
Nagina Bibi was abducted while on her way to school by her rapist, Muhammad Abid, who took her to an undisclosed location in Lahore. For 25 days, she was held captive and subjected to repeated sexual assaults by Abid and his two brothers. Her father, Akram Masih, led police to the abductor’s residence in Baloki village, Phoolnagar, after weeks of desperate searching. Nagina was rescued and taken to a hospital where doctors confirmed her rape and found marks of physical abuse on her body. Police have since arrested the main perpetrator, Muhammad Abid.
The Capture of Sunaiha Arif
Sunaiha Arif’s case is equally devastating. Living temporarily with her family in Raiwind due to personal issues with her husband, Sunaiha was lured into a grocery shop by its owner, Muhammad Naeem. Along with his accomplices Haji and Muhammad Zeeshan, Naeem brutally raped Sunaiha, tying her up and leaving her in a nearby field after the assault.
Both families faced immense pressure from brick kiln owners to drop their cases, leaving them trapped in a cycle of debt and fear.
BACA’s Support and Intervention
BACA intervened to rescue both families, paying off their debts to free them from brick kiln slavery – £2,354 for Nagina’s father, Akram Masih, and £2,857 for Sunaiha’s father, Saleem Masih. The families were moved to safe houses in Lahore, where they received shelter, support, and time to heal from the trauma.
For six months, BACA provided for the families, paying for their groceries and bills until they became financially stable. Saleem Masih found employment as a security guard at a local church, while his sons, Badil and Sheroz, secured jobs in a garment factory, earning Rs. 25,000 (£71) each by July 2024. Sunaiha has since healed from the ordeal and married her cousin in August 2024. She now lives happily with her husband in Layyah, northern Pakistan.
A New Start for the Families
Akram Masih and his family, including Nagina, have also found a fresh start. Nagina has been enrolled in vocational training for stitching and sewing, while Akram moved to Karachi, where his elder brother helped him secure a job and accommodation.
Both families have expressed immense gratitude to BACA for its life-changing support, which helped them escape the horrors of slavery and begin rebuilding their lives.
Gratitude and Hope
Saleem Masih and his family have expressed their profound gratitude to BACA for both the financial assistance and emotional support that enabled them to escape the oppressive grip of brick kiln slavery and regain stability. The release of these families from bondage has not only freed them from the threat of violence and sexual assault but has also empowered them to begin rebuilding their lives after the harrowing attacks. Earlier intervention with safe housing could have prevented much of the fear and anxiety they endured, underscoring the urgent need for immediate shelter in such cases.
Both Nagina’s and Sunaiha’s legal battles for justice are ongoing, and while the judicial process in Pakistan often moves slowly, there is hope for positive convictions in both cases. The determination to seek justice and prevent similar atrocities to others remains strong.
About BACA
The British Asian Christian Association (BACA) is committed to supporting marginalized and persecuted Christians in Pakistan. By providing legal aid, financial support, and safe shelter, BACA helps victims of violence, slavery, and discrimination find safety and the chance to rebuild their lives.
We are thrilled to announce that a generous donor has offered to match every donation towards the purchase of a permanent safe house, up to £7,500! This means every pound you contribute will be doubled, bringing us closer to a goal of £15,000. This new safe house will provide a critical refuge for persecuted Christians, drastically reducing waiting times for those in urgent need of protection and potentially saving lives. Your support now goes twice as far and will ensure that victims like Nagina and Sunaiha have the chance to recover and rebuild after severe trauma. You can donate (here).
