Pakistan: A deadly roof collapse in Narowal claimed the life of two-year-old Anaya and left several family members seriously injured (click here). The extended Masih family, now homeless and grieving, were forced to take refuge in cramped rooms offered by neighbours. BACA stepped in immediately—covering funeral and medical costs and committing to rebuild their entire home with strong, weather-resistant foundations (click here). Structural work is now complete and roofing is underway, though extreme cold weather and heavy fog have delayed construction that was hoped to finish before Christmas.

Narowal Tragedy: Rebuilding Hope After Loss

In August, a devastating tragedy struck a Christian family in Narowal when the roof of their aging home collapsed following heavy rainfall. Read more (here).

The house—constructed more than 30 years ago using mud and wooden beams—had become increasingly unstable over time, particularly as the family expanded after the marriages of three brothers: Nasir, Kashif (late), and Qaiser (late).

On 27th August, after a severe downpour, the roof of the second floor suddenly gave way. The collapse tore through the first floor and crashed down to ground level. Two-year-old Anaya Qaiser lost her life in the incident, while Abeel Nasir (2) and Shanaya Nasir sustained serious injuries.

Little Anaya, pictured before the tragic collapse, whose life was cut short at just two years old

The tragedy left the extended Masih family shattered—grieving the loss of a child while struggling to care for the injured.

Immediate Support in a Time of Crisis

BACA’s team visited the family shortly after the incident, offering comfort and immediate practical support. Funeral expenses were fully covered, and financial assistance was provided to ensure the injured children received medical treatment without delay.

With their home completely destroyed, the family of 16 people had no choice but to scatter, taking temporary refuge in small, overcrowded rooms offered by neighbours and family members. This hardship was made even more painful by the fact that the family had already endured the loss of two brothers in previous years.

A Commitment to Rebuild—Safely and Strongly

During the initial visit, BACA assured the family that their home would not only be rebuilt, but rebuilt stronger and safer, capable of withstanding future storms and protecting the family for years to come.

On 1st November, BACA returned to Narowal to meet with the family and the appointed contractor. To ensure long-term safety, BACA instructed that:

A deep, reinforced foundation be laid

Crush bricks be used to strengthen the structure

The house be raised above street level to prevent future water accumulation

These measures were essential to prevent a repeat of the tragedy.

Shuttering holds the concrete in place while it sets, creating a durable and secure roof.

Progress Despite Harsh Conditions

The reinforced structure has now been completed, and shuttering work for the roof is finished. However, progress was initially delayed due to damage to the household water supply. Repair work on a collapsed tunnel meant that no water was available on site for an extended period, until the issue was finally resolved by local government contractors. Once the water supply was restored, construction faced further challenges as extreme cold weather and heavy fog engulfed Narowal, significantly slowing work on site. The delays were further compounded by the Christmas holidays, as BACA employs a Christian building firm that temporarily closed to observe the season.

Despite these obstacles, roofing is now underway. The contractor has confirmed that construction has entered a critical phase, and once the weather improves, wall plastering and flooring will follow swiftly.

A Family That Could Not Rebuild Alone

Nasir Masih, the sole breadwinner, works as a government sweeper on a meagre salary while supporting a large family. Rebuilding the home independently would have been entirely beyond his means.

BACA’s commitment has made the impossible possible.

Nasir Masih shared his gratitude, saying:

“I am thankful to BACA for rebuilding our home and providing shelter to my family.”

“My children are very happy seeing their home is being rebuilt.”

Today, Nasir Masih, his children, and the families of his two deceased brothers continue to wait patiently to return home, as they remain dependent on the generosity of neighbours for shelter.

Looking Ahead

The construction was originally planned to be completed before Christmas. While harsh weather has delayed this goal, BACA remains committed to seeing the project through to completion as soon as conditions allow.

From tragedy to hope, this rebuilding effort stands as a testament to compassion in action—ensuring that a grieving family not only regains a home, but a future built on safety, dignity, and care.

Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee for British Asian Christian Association, said:

“No family should lose a child simply because their home was unsafe. Anaya’s death was not an act of fate, but a tragedy born of poverty and neglect. As Christians, we are called to stand with the broken-hearted and to turn compassion into action. Rebuilding this home is about more than bricks and mortar—it is about restoring safety, dignity, and hope. BACA will not walk away until this family is safely home again, and Anaya’s life is honoured through something strong, lasting, and protective for those she loved.”

There are extra costs in completing the rebuild for the Masih family in Narowal, and another victim of the floods, Shabbr Masih, still awaits a safe home. Your donation will help finish his house with strong, elevated, reinforced foundations, protecting against future floods and the constant burden of repairs. This is a long-term investment in the lives of deprived Christian families, giving them safety, dignity, and hope for the future.