Pakistan: Nabeel Masih appears significantly more frail than in earlier photos—please keep him in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. 

Nabeel Masih, a 24-year-old Christian man from Phoolnagar, District Kasur, has once again found himself fighting for his life—not only in a Pakistani courtroom but also against a serious health crisis. 

Nabeel’s ordeal began on 18th September 2016, when he was falsely accused of blasphemy for allegedly sharing a blasphemous image on Facebook. Arrested at the age of 16, Nabeel languished in District Jail Kasur for nearly five years without a conviction. Thanks to the legal and humanitarian efforts of the British Asian Christian Association (BACA), he was finally released on bail in March 2021. 

Since his release, BACA has stood by Nabeel, providing him with a secure residence, medical care, legal aid, and transportation to court. Despite these protections, Nabeel’s physical health has deteriorated significantly, in large part due to the stress and trauma of his protracted legal battle. 

Earlier this month, Nabeel began to suffer from worsening fatigue, jaundice, and nausea. Concerned for his well-being, he contacted BACA’s operations manager, who swiftly arranged emergency medical care at Hamid Latif Hospital in Lahore. 

The British Asian Christian Association has fully funded Nabeel Masih’s medical examinations and treatment, ensuring he receives the care he urgently needs. 

After an abdominal ultrasound at Ittefaq Hospital and Liver Function Tests (LFTs), doctors confirmed that Nabeel was suffering from acute liver inflammation due to Hepatitis E Virus (HEV). His bilirubin level soared to a critical 37.37 mg/dL (normal range is 0.30–1.20 mg/dL), and both SGPT and SGOT enzymes were severely elevated, indicating intense liver cell damage. Although his liver retained some synthetic function, the diagnosis was alarming. 

Thankfully, after receiving prompt medical attention and starting a course of medication, Nabeel is now showing signs of improvement and is scheduled for a follow-up examination within the next few days. 

Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee at BACA, expressed deep concern: 
“Nabeel has suffered unimaginable injustice from the moment he was falsely accused. His body is breaking under the burden of a case that should never have existed. BACA will continue to support him physically, legally, and emotionally—but his future now depends on whether Pakistan’s judiciary can finally deliver justice after nine long years of persecution. It is imperative that the international community speaks out now—not just for Nabeel’s life, but for the principle of justice itself.” 

Case Trial Update: Approaching Judgment 

While Nabeel fights to recover, his court case has entered its final phase. On 26th April, BACA escorted him to a hearing before Judge Miss Naghmana Ansar. Although the police officer from Phoolnagar Police Station eventually submitted his statement, the complainant’s lawyer was absent due to a lawyers’ strike. The next hearing was fixed for 10th May for cross-examination. 

However, on 10th May, the police once again failed to appear, pushing the next date to 24th May. During that session, Muhammad Hussain, the investigation officer, faced a rigorous cross-examination from Nabeel’s solicitor, Naseeb Anjum, who asked: 

Why has the police report not been fully submitted? 

Can a police officer act as a complainant in such cases? 

Why was the FIR registered when the Home Department clearly denied permission? 

Why is there no forensic evidence from Nabeel’s phone or SIM card? 

The officer was unable to respond, and Naseeb Anjum made a compelling argument for Nabeel’s acquittal, citing the Home Department’s prior disapproval of the FIR and the Federal Investigation Agency’s refusal to apply the Cyber Crime Act against him. 

Despite overwhelming evidence in Nabeel’s favour, the court has yet to pronounce a verdict. 

Nabeel shared his anguish with BACA: 
“I am not satisfied with the trial court. I spent five years in jail and now another five years attending hearings. I have suffered mentally and physically due to this unjust delay.” 

A Call for International Support 

BACA continues to stand by Nabeel Masih, advocating for justice in a deeply flawed judicial system. The charity urges international human rights organisations, legal observers, and the global Christian community to raise their voices and demand accountability. 

Until then, Nabeel waits—weak in body but unwavering in hope.