On January 28th, a pivotal day dawned for a destitute Christian family as BACA secured their freedom from the clutches of brick kiln servitude by settling their debt with the owner of Brick Kiln No.55 in Raiwind.
The family expresses profound gratitude for their newfound liberty, viewing it as a divine intervention facilitated through the compassionate efforts of BACA and our donors on behalf of the beleaguered Pakistani Christian community.
The journey towards securing freedom for Saleem Masih and his family commenced in October 2023, when the BACA team visited them in the dilapidated servant quarters allocated to them by their brick kiln owner. Saleem Masih and his family had been ravaged by the anguish of his daughter Sunaiha Arif’s abduction and rape by three Muslim men in the area, with Saleem tirelessly seeking justice for the heinous crime his daughter endured (click here).
Sharing his harrowing ordeal, Saleem Masih revealed that he had been laboring in brick-making since his childhood, following in the footsteps of his late father Samuel Masih, and other siblings. However, he had spent the last decade toiling at Brick Kiln No.55 to support his large family of eight children. Despite being esteemed for his industriousness and Christian values, Saleem Masih believed that his daughter’s tragedy was a consequence of his plight and labour at the kiln. Despite contemplating an escape from the wretched job, his dire financial circumstances perpetually restrained him due to the burden of debts incurred to solemnize the marriages of his five children.
Expressing his plight, Saleem Masih lamented, “I accrued debts to solemnize the marriages of my five children but could never repay them despite our relentless toil.”
Further unraveling his tale of misery, Saleem Masih disclosed that he and his family earned a meager sum of 1,500 Rs. (£4.25) for crafting 2,000 bricks, requiring 7-8 hours of arduous labor from all family members, including his wife Martha Bibi and his teenage sons Sheroz Masih (16 yrs) and Badil Masih (14 yrs), alongside his daughter Sunaiha (17 yrs). Moreover, they endured toil under harsh weather conditions, deprived of the liberty to attend family celebrations or funerals together due to the demands of brick-making.
“Our labor commences at dawn, extending until dusk. It encompasses soil excavation, soaking, clay preparation, and brick molding,” Saleem Masih articulated.
Appealing for liberation from the shackles of debt, Saleem Masih implored BACA for assistance.
On January 20th, the BACA team revisited Saleem Masih, delivering the joyous news that brought tears of elation to his eyes. Overwhelmed with gratitude, he knelt in thanksgiving, attributing the intervention to divine providence. Leading them to Muhammad Khizer Hayat, the kiln’s accountant, Saleem Masih urged him to present the debt records. Despite initial hindrances, Saleem Masih’s jubilation knew no bounds.
On January 21st, Saleem Masih conveyed that his debt amounted to 1,000,000 Rs. (2,857 £), necessitating full payment for his release. Subsequently, legal procedures were initiated through solicitor Mr. Numan Khan, culminating in Saleem Masih’s emancipation on January 25th after fulfilling the requisite formalities.
Relocated to the care of a close relative, Saleem Masih remains optimistic about his family’s future. Envisioning financial stability, he aspires to enroll his youngest son Badil in school and equip Sheroz with vocational skills in hairdressing or tailoring, ensuring they are spared from the toils of brick-making.
“I am indebted to God for guiding me to an organization like BACA, facilitating my debt repayment and liberation from slavery,” Saleem Masih professed. “I plan to relocate to Lahore, where Badil, my youngest son, will pursue education.”
The British Asian Christian Association is currently in search of a new temporary residence for Saleem Masih and his family. Additionally, we aspire to raise sufficient funds to finance the education of Badil, the youngest member of this family. Our organization has facilitated the liberation of numerous enslaved families, including Sunaiha’s, and such endeavors are made possible through the generous contributions of our supporters. If you wish to join us in this noble cause, you too can make a difference by contributing (here). Every donation, no matter how small, helps us in our mission to provide hope and freedom to those in need.
Juliet Chowdhry, a Trustee for the British Asian Christian Association, remarked, “For Saleem Masih and his family, freedom is no longer an abstract idea. For countless generations, they have been ensnared in brutal indentured labor contracts, but now, those whom we have liberated can exercise the fundamental rights to travel, work, and reside wherever they choose. The figurative shackles that bound them have been shattered. While this is undoubtedly a time of rejoicing, I cannot help but ponder the sobering reality that the Bonded Labor Abolition Act of 1994 remains remarkably ineffective. Three decades after its enactment, charities like the British Asian Christian Association are still compelled to settle debts to emancipate Christian slaves. This glaring discrepancy speaks volumes about Pakistan’s true commitment to equality and freedom. We are grateful to God that Sunaiha is now safely distanced from the area where she endured unspeakable trauma, now free from threats the pursuit of justice begins in earnest.”
