Six-year-old rape survivor Shumaya and her family were involved in a serious road accident while returning home from a medical examination. Read more (here).
The crash left Shumaya’s father, Saleem Masih, and brother, Danish, injured and severely damaged the family’s only source of income—a rented rickshaw.
With the vehicle rendered unusable, the family faced further financial hardship amid their ongoing pursuit of justice.
BACA funded essential repairs to the rickshaw, helping the family restore their livelihood and continue supporting Shumaya through her recovery.
BACA Helps Restore Income for the Family of Young Rape Survivor Shumaya
On 19 April 2026, six-year-old rape survivor Shumaya travelled with her family to Lahore for a scheduled medical examination connected to her ongoing case. After spending the night at a relative’s home, Shumaya, her parents, and her brother Danish began their journey home by rickshaw early the following morning.
Tragically, near Nankana Sahib, the rickshaw lost control on a badly damaged section of road. The vehicle overturned and rolled several times, causing serious injuries to Saleem Masih, his wife Kalsoom Bibi, and their son Danish. By God’s grace, young Shumaya escaped the accident without injury.
Danish suffered chest injuries, while Saleem Masih sustained injuries to his lower back and chest. All injured family members were rushed to hospital for treatment.
When BACA representatives visited the family on 30 April, Saleem explained the devastating impact the accident had on their already fragile circumstances. The rickshaw, driven by his son Danish and rented as the family’s primary source of income, had suffered extensive damage and could no longer be used.
The accident shattered the windscreen, damaged the steering mechanism, bent the wheel assembly, broke the suspension shocks, and caused significant damage to the bodywork, dashboard, and seating. Without repairs, the family had no means of earning an income.
Facing mounting financial pressure and demands from the rickshaw owner to repair the vehicle, Saleem appealed to BACA for assistance.
Recognising the family’s desperate situation, BACA stepped in and funded the full cost of the necessary repairs. The restored rickshaw has now enabled the family to resume earning a livelihood during an exceptionally difficult period.
Saleem Masih (40), Shumaya’s father, expressed his gratitude for the support.
“We could not arrange the money needed to repair the rickshaw and were facing pressure from the owner to fix it. I am thankful to BACA for stepping in and helping us repair the vehicle.”
“My son drives this rickshaw, and the income he earns helps our family survive during this difficult time.”
Case Update
Saleem Masih confirmed that the accused in Shumaya’s rape case has submitted two applications for bail. The first application was withdrawn, while the second was rejected by the court.
The case is currently proceeding before the court, where the family continues to seek justice for their daughter. According to Saleem, police have received the DNA report, which is expected to be presented before the court.
“The DNA report is positive and confirms the rape.”
Due to the injuries he suffered in the road accident, Saleem was unable to attend a court hearing scheduled for 27 April 2026. The hearing was subsequently rescheduled for 12 May 2026.
However, proceedings on 12 May could not continue and a further hearing was fixed for 4 June 2026. That hearing was also postponed following the transfer of the presiding judge. The court has now scheduled the next hearing for 29 June 2026.
Despite ongoing trauma, severe financial hardship, and pressure from the accused’s family to forgive the perpetrator, Saleem remains steadfast in his determination to secure justice for his daughter.
“I trust in the Lord. I shall get justice for my daughter.”
As the legal battle continues, BACA remains committed to supporting Shumaya and her family, ensuring they receive practical assistance while pursuing justice and rebuilding their lives after this devastating ordeal.
Help Us Restore Hope to Families in Crisis
Shumaya’s family has endured more suffering in a few months than most people face in a lifetime. First came the devastating rape of their six-year-old daughter, followed by ongoing court proceedings, mounting legal pressures, medical appointments, and then a serious road accident that left key family members injured and destroyed their only means of earning an income.
Without intervention, the family faced the prospect of losing their livelihood altogether. By funding the repair of their rickshaw, BACA has helped restore not only a vehicle but also the family’s dignity, independence, and ability to provide for themselves.
Your support enables us to respond quickly when vulnerable Christian families face unexpected crises. Whether providing legal aid, emergency relief, medical assistance, or livelihood support, every donation helps families survive hardship and rebuild their lives.
Please consider making a donation today so that we can continue standing alongside persecuted and impoverished Christian families when they need us most. [click here to donate]
A Message from Juliet Chowdhry
Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee of BACA, said:
“My heart breaks for this family. A little girl who should have known only love and safety has endured a horrific sexual assault, and while courageously pursuing justice they were struck by yet another tragedy. Many families would have been completely broken by such relentless hardship.”
“When we learned that the road accident had destroyed the rickshaw on which the family depended for survival, we knew we had to act. The repair of this vehicle was about far more than fixing damaged metal; it was about restoring hope, preserving dignity, and ensuring this family could continue to earn an honest living rather than being forced to depend on charity or beg for survival.”
“No parent should have to fight for justice for their abused child while wondering how they will feed their family the next day. Through the kindness of our supporters, BACA was able to stand beside them in their darkest hour. Together, we are helping this family move forward with dignity, faith, and the knowledge that they have not been abandoned.”
