Pakistan: Basharat Masih’s family, unable to afford legal help after their initial Solicitor withdrew from the case following a series of threats, turned to BACA as court pressure mounted. 

BACA swiftly hired Pakistan’s top blasphemy lawyer, Saif ul Malook, bringing new hope to the desperate family. 

Court proceedings have begun, though delays continue due to absent witnesses and a lawyers’ strike. 

Despite the challenges, Basharat’s family and BACA remain determined to fight for his freedom—trusting God for justice. 

The family of Basharat Masih, a poor Christian labourer imprisoned under false blasphemy charges, has finally found a ray of hope. After months of anxiety, desperation, and financial helplessness, BACA has stepped in to provide full legal support, hiring Pakistan’s most successful blasphemy lawyer, Advocate Saif ul Malook. (Read more here) 

In October, Naveed Masih, Basharat’s uncle, contacted a BACA field officer in distress. The trial court had admonished the family for failing to appoint legal counsel and warned that the next hearing—scheduled for 5th November—would require a solicitor to be present. 

“The court has fixed a next hearing on 5th November and ordered to present a lawyer for Basharat Masih,” Naveed explained. “We simply cannot afford one.” 

Recognising the urgency, BACA immediately mobilised resources and hired Advocate Saif ul Malook, internationally renowned for overturning blasphemy convictions and known for defending Asia Bibi and other high-profile victims of injustice. 

Court Hearings Begin — and Delays Follow 

On 5th November, BACA-appointed solicitor Shahid Langriyal, co-counsel with Saif ul Malook, appeared before Additional Sessions Judge Tariq Ayub at Rawalpindi Court. He submitted essential legal documentation, prompting the judge to order that the case be decided within one month and heard on a daily basis. 

However, delays began almost immediately. 

When Saif ul Malook appeared in court on 7th November, the complainant’s lawyer failed to produce any witnesses, stating they were “busy”. He requested a new hearing date, pushing proceedings to 10th November. 

BACA Trustee and Humanitarian Project Volunteer Meet the Family — Pain and Hope Intertwined 

On 9th November, BACA trustees met Basharat’s grieving family. His father, George Masih (45), expressed deep gratitude: 

“I am grateful to BACA for hiring the country’s most renowned lawyer to defend my son.” 

Basharat’s young wife, Mehnaz Bibi (24), broke down as she described her agony. She has been allowed only one visitation in 18 months. 

“My husband did not commit this crime. I miss him so much. When nothing gives me comfort, I pray to God,” she said softly. 

Despite their suffering, the family remains resilient, strengthened by the support they are now receiving. 

BACA Finalises Legal Arrangements 

On 7th November, BACA trustee Juliet Chowdhry and Humanitarian Projects & Communications Volunteer Hannah Chowdhry met Advocate Saif ul Malook at his residence in Lahore, where formal documents were signed to take over Basharat’s defence. 

Hannah Chowdhry and Saif ul Malook formally signing the legal documents to take on Basharat’s case at his home. 

Saif ul Malook — who has repeatedly risked his life to defend falsely accused Christians — expressed appreciation for BACA’s consistent support for persecuted believers. He also outlined the legal strategy for Basharat’s acquittal, calling the case “another tragic example of misuse of blasphemy laws.” 

Unfortunately, when he travelled again to Rawalpindi for the 10th November hearing, proceedings were halted due to a nationwide lawyers’ strike, causing yet another delay in Basharat’s fight for justice. 

Juliet Chowdhry, trustee of the British Asian Christian Association: 

“Seeing the fear and exhaustion in Basharat’s family made it clear they urgently needed help. Hiring Saif ul Malook was essential—Basharat deserves the strongest possible defence. No family should be left to battle a blasphemy allegation alone. We are committed to walking with them until this injustice is overturned.” 

Hannah Chowdhry, Humanitarian Projects & Communications Volunteer, said: 

“Meeting Basharat’s family was heartbreaking. He is an innocent young waiter from Faisalabad who was simply travelling to Naran for a new job when FIA officers raided his bus on 26th June 2024, seized his phone, and falsely accused him of sharing blasphemous content online. His life changed in an instant — yet he has remained steadfast in his faith. 

As Christians, we cannot ignore suffering like this. Scripture calls us to ‘remember those in prison as if you were together with them’ (Hebrews 13:3). Supporting Basharat is not just an act of compassion — it is an act of obedience. We will continue standing with him and his family until justice prevails.” 

Basharat’s loved ones are living in fear, poverty, and uncertainty — but they are no longer alone. 
BACA is covering all legal fees, travel costs, and welfare support for the family. 

To continue this fight until Basharat walks free, we urgently need your help.