Kasur, Pakistan: The British Asian Christian Association (BACA) continues its long-standing commitment to the orphaned children of Shama and Shahzad Masih, a young Christian couple who were falsely accused of blasphemy and brutally murdered in 2014. As these children grow and thrive under BACA’s care, the charity is now seeking urgent funds to complete essential remedial works on their home and to provide for their summer and educational needs.

A Legacy of Pain and Perseverance

In November 2014, the world was shocked by the heinous killing of Shahzad and Shama Masih in the brick kilns of Kasur. The couple, both bonded labourers, were falsely accused of blasphemy—a charge fabricated to prevent Shama from filing rape charges against the accountant of their employer. Before they could seek justice, they were beaten and burned alive by a radicalised mob. Their children—Suleman (then 5), Sonia (3), and Poonam (1)—witnessed this horror unfold before their very eyes.

Despite over 100 arrests, justice has never been served. However, BACA immediately stepped in to ensure that the couple’s children did not face this world alone.

Ongoing Care and Education Support

Since that tragic day, BACA has provided comprehensive support for the children, including:

A live-in nanny to support their emotional, physical, and educational development.

Monthly welfare visits to monitor the wellbeing of the children and their legal guardian Mukhtar Masih their grandfather

Schooling, uniforms, clothing, health care funds, and study resources tailored to each child’s needs and aspirations.

The children are doing remarkably well considering the trauma they have endured. Sonia, now 13, has passed her fifth-grade exams and been promoted to sixth grade. Poonam, 11, has successfully moved from fourth to fifth grade. Sonia aspires to become a doctor, while Poonam dreams of being a teacher. Their older brother, Suleman (15), is continuing his education and has expressed deep gratitude to BACA for the consistent love and support since his parents’ death.

Urgent Appeal: Help Us Create a Healthy, Happy Home

During our latest visit on 28 February 2025, our team identified urgent needs that must be addressed:

House Painting: The walls of their new home—generously provided by the Catholic Church—are now stained, cracked, and in urgent need of repainting. The family moved into this residence after the children’s grandfather, Mukhtar Masih, underwent heart surgery and wished to live closer to his son, the children’s uncle, for support. The estimated cost of repainting is £400.

Cooling Fans: With the summer heat intensifying, Mukhtar has requested two new ceiling fans as the previous ones are no longer functional. The cost is £200.

Easter Clothing and School Supplies: The children have requested new uniforms, shoes, and summer clothes for Easter, as they outgrow previous items. The cost is £250

Mukhtar Masih shared,

“The children have no fans in their rooms and sleeping without a fan in hot summer causes much discomfort and distress, especially when mosquitos hurl around the whole night.”

Suleman added,

“I am already thankful to the BACA for the generous support that the BACA has always given us since the death of my parents.”

BACA officer Edward Masih with Grandfather Mukhtar Masih, along with the children and their live-in nanny.

Your Support Can Make a Difference

BACA humbly appeals to our supporters and the wider public to help us raise £800 to cover these urgent expenses and bring some much-needed comfort to the children’s lives. Every contribution—big or small—makes a tangible difference.

Let us stand together for these children. Help us provide them with the dignity, comfort, and opportunity they deserve.

“The brutal killing of Shama and Shahzad was not just a family tragedy—it was a chilling reminder of how Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are weaponised to spread fear and silence the most vulnerable. Their children witnessed their parents being burned alive by a mob incited by hatred, without trial, without mercy. This kind of extrajudicial violence continues to plague Christian communities and other minorities in Pakistan. Yet, despite such horror, Suleman, Sonia, and Poonam embody remarkable resilience. At BACA, we are committed to shielding them from further harm and giving them a future filled with dignity and hope. Restoring their home and meeting their basic needs is a small step—but a vital one. I urge everyone to help us stand against hatred by standing with these brave children.”