Still no convictions for any of the Muslims involved in burning alive of Christian couple in Pakistan two years ago.

Today the British Pakistani Christian Association (BPCA) spoke out again on the ongoing lack of justice for the Christian couple, Shama (killed at 24 years
whilst 5 months pregnant) and Shahzad (killed at 26 years), who were beaten and burned alive two years ago in rural Pakistan. BPCA chairman Mr Wilson
Choudhry said ‘Despite the arrest of over 100 individuals, out of what witness said was a much larger mob, things so far have panned out as we predicted. We said that despite government spin that they had taken over the investigation to ensure quick justice and giving the impression it was also to stop local courts being overwhelmed by threats and intimidation from Islamic extremism, as normally happens in such cases, it was most likely going to be a matter of stalling, and delays, leading to suspicions of cover-up.

It is now just over 2 years, and no-one has been convicted, a sadly all-too predictable position. Our local officers on the ground still have some hope of a form of justice. There are some indications suggesting that sentences will be handed down on some of the individuals, but several have been freed on bail, including the man who sparked the mob action by accusing the couple of blasphemy, and there seems to be ongoing strong pressure, as there almost always is, to have others released on bail too.’

The BPCA has been helping support and provide for the children of the martyred couple, because despite the government officially awarding the young
children compensation, it cannot be accessed until they turn 18.

BPCA’s Mehwish Bhatti added that they were highly suspicious of the claims that led to the man who accused the couple of blasphemy being released
on bail, claims that he was not there at the time of the actual murder, saying that he was intimately involved in the hatred, and that it was much
more likely to be due to the fact that he had influence because he is a relatively rich and influential, being the owner of the brick kiln in which
the murdered couple worked as bonded labourers (a form of slavery formally banned practice in Pakistan, but still practiced widely).

BPCA sent three members of our Pakistan team to the memorial held on the 2nd anniversary of the death of the couple.
 Mewhish Bhatti and our first Missionary Pastor Leighton Nedley spoke at the event leading prayers and bible readings. Pastor Ledley said:

“Despite the violence these children saw they have developed into bright, intelligent and effervescent children.  The loss of parents at such
a young age can cause great trauma and often long term emotional issues.  The Christian nanny provided by the BPCA has no doubt done much to alleviate
the concern providing a maternal figure and good Christian instruction. Even then I call on the global church to continue prayers for God’s influence
over this family.

Thanks to donations, BPCA has been able to not only repaint the family’s home but also was able to buy the children comfortable beds, bedside cupboards, and school supplies.


“We are committed to Shama and Shahzad’s children and we will continue to do all that we can to provide for them but we need your help to do it,” Wilson Chowdhry said, adding that BPCA now accepts online donations. “Please give what you can afford, no matter how small, and join with us in showing them the daily love and care that they need.”

Please sign our petition seeking justice for Shama and Shahzad (click here)

Read Christian Post story (click here)