Six-Year-Old Rape Survivor and Family Injured in Road Accident While Returning from Medical Checkup
Court Rejects Bail Application of Accused Muhammad Uzair
Next Hearing in the Case Scheduled for 12 May 2026
On 10 December 2025, Shumaya Saleem, a six-year-old Christian girl from Jaranwala, was sexually assaulted by Muhammad Uzair (19). Shumaya had gone to the home of her extra-tuition teacher, Miss Siffat (24), the sister of Muhammad Uzair, for lessons in English, Maths, and Urdu. After the tuition session ended, Muhammad Uzair allegedly took Shumaya into the living room within the residential section of the school premises and sexually assaulted her.
The City Police Station Jaranwala registered FIR No. 2015/25 under Section 376 of the Pakistan Penal Code. A forensic team collected blood-stained clothes and other evidence, while Muhammad Uzair was sent to the Punjab Forensic Science Agency for DNA analysis.
Following the assault, the perpetrator’s family allegedly pressured Shumaya’s family to reach a compromise, forcing them to relocate to a safer location with close relatives.
On 13 December 2025, a BACA team visited Shumaya’s family. Her father, Saleem Masih, worked as a construction labourer but lost his employment after the family was pressured to relocate. BACA offered financial and legal assistance to support the family during the crisis. Working with another charity we later helped arrange safer accommodation for them.
After losing his source of income, Saleem Masih contacted BACA for urgent financial assistance. On 16 January 2026, BACA representatives met the family and agreed to provide regular support to help cover groceries and repeated travel expenses for court hearings.
“We are deeply thankful to BACA for supporting our family during this difficult time. After the incident and our sudden relocation, most of the family members who were working lost their jobs, and we struggled to afford food and daily essentials. The assistance for groceries and all court travel expenses brings great relief to our family and helps us survive during a very hard period.”
Shumaya continues to suffer from severe post-traumatic stress following the assault. Her mother, Kalsoom Bibi (36), told BACA that Shumaya remains under regular medical treatment and has not returned to normal life since the incident.
“Shumaya does not play or laugh. She remains under stress.”
“Her silence makes us distressed and worried.”
Case Developments
Saleem Masih informed BACA that Muhammad Riaz Dogar, the father of the accused, filed an application with the SSP (Senior Superintendent of Police) Investigation Faisalabad, challenging the police investigation and requesting a change of investigating officer.
On 15 January 2026, Saleem Masih was summoned to the SSP office, where Muhammad Riaz Dogar was also present. According to Saleem Masih, the SSP strongly criticised Muhammad Riaz Dogar for questioning the police investigation despite the seriousness of the allegations against his son.
Meanwhile, the accused filed an application for post-arrest bail. Hearings were held on 13 January, 19 January, and 24 January 2026, during which legal arguments were presented before the court.
Family Injured in Road Accident
On 19 April 2026, the family travelled to Lahore for Shumaya’s medical checkup and stayed overnight at a relative’s home. Early the next morning, Shumaya, her parents, and her brother Danish travelled back home by rickshaw.
Near Nankana Sahib, the rickshaw lost balance on a damaged section of road, overturned, and rolled over, causing serious injuries to Saleem Masih, Kalsoom Bibi, and Danish Masih. Fortunately, Shumaya escaped unharmed.
Danish sustained chest injuries, while Saleem Masih suffered injuries to his lower back and chest. The injured family members were taken to hospital for treatment.
When BACA visited the family on 30 April, Saleem Masih explained that Danish drives a rented rickshaw as the family’s primary source of income. The accident severely damaged the front and upper body of the vehicle, leaving it unusable until repairs can be completed.
Saleem Masih appealed for assistance with repair costs so the family could continue earning a livelihood.
“Although the accident happened while Danish was driving, our family does not blame him. Since our emergency relocation after the assault on Shumaya, not all family members have been able to return to work in the new area. Danish’s rickshaw earnings, together with BACA’s support, have been helping our family survive during this extremely difficult time. Now that the rickshaw has been badly damaged, we have lost our only steady source of income, placing even greater strain on our ability to afford food, medical treatment, and other daily necessities. We humbly request BACA’s assistance in repairing the rickshaw so our family can continue to survive.”
BACA has already provided approximately £100 towards the family’s urgent medical expenses following the road accident. However, Saleem Masih suffered a serious hip fracture in the crash and now requires further treatment estimated at £200. These additional medical costs have created even greater financial pressure on the family, who are already struggling to survive after their emergency relocation, loss of employment, and ongoing court-related expenses.
In addition, BACA hopes to provide one month’s replacement income for Danish (£100), as he is currently unable to earn, and cover the £320 cost of repairing the damaged rickshaw — the family’s only reliable source of income since their emergency relocation.
Without this support, the family will struggle to meet basic living costs, while pursuing justice for Shumaya. We are therefore appealing to supporters to donate generously and help this vulnerable family rebuild their lives.
Latest Court Proceedings
Saleem Masih confirmed that the accused has applied for bail twice. The first application was withdrawn, while the second was rejected by the court.
The trial is now proceeding before Additional Sessions Judge Azhar Iqbal Ranjha. Saleem Masih expressed confidence in the judicial process and stated that the DNA report has been received by the police and is expected to be submitted before the court.
“The DNA report is positive and confirms the rape.”
Due to injuries sustained in the road accident, Saleem Masih was unable to attend the court hearing scheduled for 27 April 2026. The court has now fixed the next hearing for 12 May 2026.
Despite severe financial hardship, ongoing trauma, and pressure from the accused’s family to seek forgiveness, Saleem Masih remains determined to pursue justice for his daughter.
“I trust in the Lord. I shall get justice for my daughter”.
Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee for British Asian Christian Association, said:
“Shumaya’s suffering is a painful reminder of the dangers faced by vulnerable minority children in Pakistan, where too many Christian families are left isolated, intimidated, and struggling to obtain justice. No child should endure such brutality, and no family should have to flee their home, lose their livelihood, and live in fear simply for pursuing justice for their daughter.
We stand firmly with Shumaya and her family in their determination to hold the perpetrator accountable. Justice in this case is not only vital for Shumaya’s healing, but also for the protection of other innocent children who could become victims if predators believe they can act with impunity.
The British Asian Christian Association will continue supporting this family through legal, financial, and emotional assistance, while challenging the culture of intimidation and discrimination that so often prevents minority families from receiving equal protection under the law. We urge people around the world to pray for courage for this family, for integrity within the courts, and for true justice to prevail.”
