Pakistan: A Farewell to Nabeel Masih R.I.P. | 19th July 2001 – 31st July 2025 
A Statement from Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee of the British Asian Christian Association 

With deep sorrow and a heavy heart, I must share the devastating news of the death of Nabeel Masih, a young man who had already endured more than most people could in a lifetime. After a prolonged battle with illness—compounded by the trauma of wrongful imprisonment under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws—Nabeel passed away on 31st July 2025, at just 24 years old. 

Nabeel was unjustly accused at the age of 15, imprisoned for over four years for simply liking a post on Facebook. Yet through every challenge—through his arrest, his isolation, his persecution, and even his declining health—Nabeel remained remarkably stoic, showing a resilience that left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. He had a quiet strength, a disarming charm, and a heart full of grace. 

Every member of BACA who met Nabeel was touched by his politeness, good humour, and gentle spirit. Even when his body was weakening, his smile could still light up a room. He was not just a case we supported—he became part of our family. His pain was our pain, and now, his loss is our loss. 

His family are absolutely heartbroken. Their grief is unimaginable, having watched their son suffer for years at the hands of an unjust and deeply flawed legal system. We will continue to stand by them—offering emotional, financial, and legal support—as they come to terms with this immense tragedy. 

Nabeel was a faithful believer. Though he was denied freedom in this life, we are comforted in the knowledge that he now experiences eternal freedom in heaven—a place where no blasphemy law, no prison bars, and no systemic cruelty can ever touch him again. He is finally at peace, wrapped in the loving arms of the God he never denied. 

The world may remember Nabeel as a victim of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, but we will remember him as a symbol of courage, faith, and quiet dignity. 

What follows is a timeline of his final days, a painful but necessary reflection on how injustice—and hatred—cost a young Christian man his life. 

Bound by injustice, unbroken in faith. 

September 2016: The Allegation and Arrest 

17 September 2016 
Nabeel Masih, a 16-year-old Christian boy from Chak 66, Bhai Pheru, District Kasur, Punjab Province, was accused of blasphemy for allegedly sharing a Facebook image of the Kaaba (the most sacred site in Islam) with a pig’s head superimposed on it. The image was claimed to have appeared on his profile, but Nabeel, an illiterate boy who had left school in the 4th Grade, insisted he had not posted it. He stated that Muslim friends had created the Facebook account for him and framed him. 

Local mosques incited a campaign for Nabeel’s murder, with calls for his lynching blaring through loudspeakers. Over 1,000 people surrounded his home, threatening to lynch his entire family unless he surrendered. 

18 September 2016 
With no other option, Nabeel surrendered to police to save his family. He was charged under Section 295A of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, which prescribes up to 10 years imprisonment for blasphemy against religious relics. The FIR was signed by local Muslim Akhtar Ali. 

Naveed Aziz with the family of Nabeel Masih 

19 September 2016 
British Pakistani Christian Association (BACA) investigator Naveed Aziz met with the family and confirmed the extent of local rage. 

“Local people have told me that apparently the image of the Islamic Kaaba was shown on Nabeel’s Facebook profile, showing the image of a pig on top. This infuriated local Muslims who then reported the crime to local police.” – Naveed Aziz 

October 2016: Threats and Intimidation 

At a court hearing in October, a mob of 80 Muslims gathered to threaten Nabeel. They called for him to be lynched, yet no arrests were made of the inciters. 

February 2017: Bail Denied 

7 February 2017 
A bail application was submitted on the basis of Nabeel’s age, illiteracy, and lack of prior offences. The Magistrates Court in Kasur rejected the application. 

Nabeel’s legal team revealed that they were intimidated by Muslim lawyers during the proceedings. 

“They warned during court proceedings that in a Muslim country it is dangerous to protect a blasphemer.” – Defence Team 

May 2018: Sentenced 

17 May 2018 
After nearly two years in pretrial detention, Nabeel was sentenced to 10 years in prison by Judge Naveed Iqbal at Kasur Magistrates Court. 

July – August 2019: BACA Steps In 

15 July 2019 
Now 19 years old, Nabeel requested BACA to take over his case. He was devastated by his incarceration. 

3 August 2019 
BACA’s Mehwish Bhatti visited Nabeel in solitary confinement. 

“I was kept in complete isolation – nobody was allowed to speak to me. Even prison staff who would bring me food were told not to speak to me and they did not. Food was bland and tasteless, it was almost always cold and served only twice a day. Without God, I would not have made it this far.” – Nabeel Masih 

Nabeel kept spiritually strong by reading the Urdu Bible. BACA provided regular pastoral support and funded the family’s financial needs since his arrest. 

November 2019: Appeal Submitted 

28 November 2019 
BACA filed an appeal in Lahore High Court for FIR 487/16 to be addressed urgently. The defence argued that someone else had sent the offensive image to Nabeel, who didn’t even know how to use Facebook. 

December 2020: Further Charges Attempted 

16 December 2020 
The complainant’s counsel filed new charges under Sections 11 and 24 of the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act 2016 (3–7 years sentence). 

“Nabeel will soon be released. This new action will come to nothing.” – Advocate Naseeb Anjum 

18 December 2020 
BACA visited Nabeel in jail and delivered Christmas gifts. He was comforted by the cards and messages of support. 

March 2021: Bail Granted and Release 

1 March 2021 
Justice Javaid Gaddal of Lahore High Court granted bail after forensic evidence proved Nabeel had not posted the offensive image. 

“Freedom for Nabeel Masih is only the first battle. Now we must pursue a full acquittal and I am confident we will succeed.” – Advocate Naseeb Anjum 

“His freedom gives me a sense of great pleasure but it is steeped in sorrow. He should be compensated for his false conviction to help him restore his life.” – Juliet Chowdhry, BACA Trustee 

18 March 2021 
Nabeel Masih, now 20 years old, was released on bail. He was immediately moved to a secure location. 

Beautiful in mind, body and spirit 

Health Concerns and Legal Setbacks 

22 March 2021 
Doctors discovered lipomas (lumps) on Nabeel’s body; biopsies were conducted to check for cancer. 

25 & 29 March 2021 
Multiple court hearings took place in Kasur, increasing Nabeel’s exposure to danger. 

25 March 2021 – Biopsy and Surgery Recommendation 
After a biopsy on 25th March 2021, Nabeel Masih was advised by doctors to undergo surgery for the removal of lipomas. With support from an Irish charity, the funds were raised for the operation. 

30 March 2021 
Judge Munaza Asim ordered the case to be moved to Pattoki District Court, in the very region Nabeel had to flee from. BACA feared this was a strategic move to increase the risk to Nabeel’s life. 

“She has not answered my appeal and if the case is moved to Pattoki District Courts, it would pose extra danger to poor Nabeel’s life.” – Advocate Naseeb Anjum 

Years if incarceration in squalid unhealthy conditions left him in poor health. 

April 2021: Arrest Warrants and Appeals 

1 April 2021 
Due to poor court communication, arrest warrants were issued for Nabeel and his bail guarantor. 

9 April 2021 
The warrants were quashed by Magistrate Shamroze Iftikhar. 

10 April 2021 
BACA filed a petition to move the case away from Pattoki and for Nabeel to be excused from future hearings for safety. A request for police protection was also submitted. 

“Despite clear risk to the life of Nabeel and his family, Pakistani authorities have ignored their plight. Their failure to provide any protection reeks of prejudice and religious zeal.” – Juliet Chowdhry 

5 May 2021 – Surgery Successfully Performed 
Nabeel was admitted to Farooq Hospital, a private hospital in Lahore. Following initial tests, the surgery lasted a little over two hours. He was kept under observation overnight and discharged on 6th May 2021. 

8 May 2021 – District Judge Rebukes Complainant’s Counsel for Delays 
Judge Shamroze Iftakhar issued a stern warning to the complainant counsel for failing to present arguments and attempting repeated delays. 

“Please furnish your arguments, I had given you enough days to prepare and now request to postpone the argument is quite wrong. I will decide on merit and if you don’t argue I will close this case.” – Judge Shamroze Iftakhar 

When the complainant’s counsel stated their application was pending in the High Court, the judge replied: 

“I am committed to proceed this case and decide on merit. I will close this case here but the record will be kept alive. We can reopen the case when a decision is pronounced by the Honorable High Court.” 

BACA’s solicitor Naseeb Anjum added: 

“The complainant’s application to seek the right of plaintiff in this case has already been denied by the Home Department Punjab.” 

L-R Mr Naseeb Anjum,Nabeel Masih and a BACA Officer Nabeel Masih at Tehsil (town) Court Pattoki 

2 June 2021 – Judge Replacement 
Judge Shamroze Iftakhar was replaced by Judge Miss Farida Ijaz. The complainant’s legal team failed to appear. Their assistant mistakenly asked for an adjournment before knowing the judge had changed. A new date was fixed for 13 June 2021. 

13 June 2021 – Lawyers’ Strike 
A routine lawyers’ strike led to the complainant counsel refusing to argue. Next hearing fixed for 2 July 2021. 

2 July 2021 – Continued Delays 
Once again, the complainant counsel refused to argue, citing the same ongoing strike. A further date was set. 

BACA’s lawyer Naseeb Anjum commented: 

“The Complainant counsel is intentionally delaying the argument. It seems to me that the complainant counsel lacks any substantial argument to convict Nabeel Masih who was made to suffer more than four years in prison wrongfully.” 

Ongoing Safety Concerns 
Despite the delays, Nabeel’s family continues to fear for his safety when travelling to court. His father, Amanat Masih, said: 

“A day before Nabeel’s hearing, we stay in prayer and fasting for the safety of Nabeel and British Asian Christian Association’s team. We also pray to Christ to soften the heart of the Judge to decide Nabeel’s case on merit. We even pray for the haters who seek the death of my son, that their eyes might open and their minds no longer be deceived. May God reveal himself to them.” 

Juliet Chowdhry added: 

“Nabeel is innocent but has been detained in a prison cell for 4 years without a conviction. It is deeply frustrating for us if not soul-sapping that the Pakistani Judicial system is so prejudiced and corrupt that he has not yet been totally exonerated. We retain hope that Nabeel will be acquitted, but so many years of his young life under such a burden of hate will no doubt have long term implications.” 

25 September 2021 – Another Missed Opportunity 
At another scheduled hearing, the complainant’s legal counsel again failed to appear. The assistant counsel present was unable to furnish arguments. Judge Fareeda Ijaz expressed frustration but stated: 

“I have not studied the case documents and would need some time to study them thoroughly. I shall decide this case on next hearing.” 

2 October 2021 – New Hearing Date, Intense Security 
With a safe transport plan, body armour, vehicle rotation, and covert police escorts, BACA once again transported Nabeel to Pattoki Town Court. However, on arrival the team learned the hearing date had been changed without notification. Judge Ijaz dismissed the objections. 

Naseeb Anjum: “My lord, you fixed this date yourself and both the counsels agreed. How is it possible that the date has been changed without informing us?” 

Judge Ijaz: “I don’t remember now. You can come on 9th October easily.” 

This caused great distress to Nabeel, who said: 

“I am tired of attending court hearings. It seems I will never be free of this false blasphemy case. I risk my life every time I attend court but the court refuses to acknowledge my innocence.” 

Nabeel Masih and Advoctae naseeb Anjum at Pattoki Court 

6 November 2021 – Judge on Holiday 
Despite rescheduled travel and high hopes for resolution, the court reader informed the BACA team upon arrival that Judge Ijaz was on holiday. The hearing was again postponed. 

January–February 2022 – Continued Delays, Fog, Strikes, and Bribery Demands 

After an arduous journey through heavy fog and cold weather, a scheduled hearing could not proceed as the complainant counsel refused to furnish his argument. He claimed to be awaiting a decision for a writ (No. 4492/20) submitted via Sessions Court Lahore, challenging a decision by the Federal Investigation Agency that no case existed. 

The judge was irritated by the failure to prepare and ordered the complainant counsel to comply with court proceedings, stating that no further delay would be tolerated and he wanted to decide the case as soon as possible. The next hearing was fixed for 29th January. 

29 January 2022 – Counsel Missing Again 
The complainant counsel sent his assistant, explaining he was on a training course. Despite earlier warnings, the judge allowed one more postponement but insisted that an argument must be ready for the next hearing. 

BACA filed a petition for quashment on 25th January under section 249/249-A of the Code of Criminal Procedure of Pakistan. The petition (No. 5422/22) was accepted and listed for hearing on 31st January at the Lahore High Court but was ultimately rejected. 

Justice Muhamad Tariq Nadeem dismissed the application, stating that quashment should be sought at the Pattoki District Court. Naseeb Anjum responded: 

“The Home Department, denied the request to sanction a prosecution by the Inspector General of Police on 20th June 2017. The petition filed in the High Court against this decision by the Home Department was also dismissed by Judge Asjad Javiad Ghural. Then the complainant filed an application at the office of the Director of the Federal Investigation Authority and again the application was not entertained.” 

Despite having the jurisdiction, Justice Nadeem deferred responsibility, appearing very uncomfortable with making a decision in a blasphemy case. 

 

12 February 2022 – Another Delay, Strike Excuse 
On the next hearing date, Nabeel was again transported under tight security. His father, Salamat Masih, led prayers before the journey. At the court, the complainant counsel’s assistant again appeared alone, and the judge ordered him to contact the counsel immediately. 

The assistant assured the judge that the lawyer would appear at 11:00 am. Nabeel was taken to a safe waiting area. When BACA’s advocate approached the court clerk at 11:00, they were told the counsel would not attend due to a lawyers’ strike—something no one had communicated in advance. 

26 February 2022 – Bar Election Excuse 
At the next scheduled hearing, after again risking their safety, Nabeel and the BACA team were informed the complainant counsel would not attend due to his involvement in bar elections. A new date was fixed. 

Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee for BACA, stated: 

“The court delays seem very deliberate by both the complainant counsel and Judge. The complainant counsel has often informed our BACA team that if we pay a bribe of close to £2000 he will drop all charges against Nabeel Masih. But of course we refuse to pay this. 

Judges in Pakistan have a habit of delaying Christian cases so that compromise deals can be made with Muslim complainants. The system is set up to oppress Christians in my opinion with judges often deeming a Christian guilty before proven innocent. Nabeel has almost five years of his life and we still await an acquittal for a case that has dragged on.” 

Naseeb Anjum added: 

“I am confident that Nabeel will be acquitted. We simply have to wait for the court procedure to complete. I cannot understand why the High Court refused our quashment application – they had the power to enact the process. We continue to pursue our case at the Pattoki Court with expectation of an acquittal.” 

Flawed Legal Process 

14 February 2024 – The District Court in Pattoki unlawfully amended Nabeel Masih’s charge sheet. Section 295A of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), which deals with acts intended to outrage religious feelings, was removed. However, Section 295 remained, which is not relevant to the alleged crime involving a social media post. 

Advocate Naseeb Anjum objected, noting that a trial court has no authority to amend charges post-framing, nor to conduct judicial review of its own decisions. The judge also rejected three key applications: an acquittal request, an exemption from Nabeel’s court attendance due to health issues, and a plea to pause proceedings pending a ruling on a related constitutional petition—signalling alleged judicial bias. 

17–21 February 2024 – Anjum attempted to obtain certified documents and submit a writ petition, but faced delays due to the judge’s absence. This absence was viewed as deliberate stalling. 

26 February 2024 – Judge Zunaira Zafar heard testimony from the complainant, Muhammad Akhtar. She ordered retrieval of call records between Akhtar and Nabeel. Nabeel privately expressed fear of a biased verdict, despite maintaining his innocence. 

Court Delays and Obstruction 

18 January 2025 – Judge Naghmana Ansar took statements from three key prosecution witnesses: Akhtar Ali, Basharat Khan, and Muhammad Ramzan. 

24 January & 8 February 2025 – Hearings were postponed due to judicial absence. Advocate Anjum condemned these delays as deliberate efforts to wear down the defence. 

1 March 2025 – Hearing was delayed again due to the absence of a witness. The next date was set for 15 March. 

26 April 2025 – A police officer submitted a written statement, but the complainant’s lawyer failed to attend due to a lawyer strike. 

10 May 2025 – The investigating officer was absent, prompting yet another adjournment. 

Key Breakthrough 

24 May 2025 – During cross-examination of the investigating officer, Anjum exposed several procedural failures: 

No complete police file was submitted to the court. 

The complainant was a police officer rather than a member of the public. 

No forensic analysis of Nabeel’s mobile phone or SIM card had ever been carried out. 

The officer’s inability to justify these gaps severely undermined the prosecution’s case. 

Further Disruptions 

14 June & 28 June 2025 – Hearings were again stalled—first due to a judge’s absence, and then because the complainant’s side and police did not attend. 

5 August 2025 – A new hearing date was assigned. Nabeel, exhausted and disillusioned, stated: 
“I have already suffered for five years in prison and five more years attending court, only to still wait for justice.” 

Health Crisis and Deterioration 

26 March 2025 – Nabeel experienced pain from fatty lumps (lipomas) on his legs and back. BACA arranged for surgery at Farooq Hospital on 9 April, where Dr. Muhammad Asif Shah successfully removed the lipomas. 

June 2025 
Nabeel began suffering from jaundice, vomiting, fatigue, and extreme weakness. Lab reports revealed a dangerously high bilirubin level of 37.37 mg/dL, indicating acute Hepatitis E. He was admitted to Hamid Latif Hospital, where Dr. Iman Ullah Saleem prescribed medication that initially helped stabilize his condition. His bilirubin level dropped to 28.27 mg/dL, but despite continued treatment, his health showed no significant improvement. 

19 July 2025 
Nabeel’s condition worsened, prompting his transfer to Indus Hospital, and later to Sheikh Zaid Hospital, where he remained under treatment until his death. 

20 July 2025 
His condition deteriorated rapidly—he lost the ability to walk or speak, and was moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). After intensive medical intervention, Nabeel made a brief recovery: he regained consciousness, was able to walk to the washroom unaided, began eating and drinking, and was transferred back to the general medical ward. 

27 July 2025 
Doctors observed fluid accumulation in his abdomen. Nabeel was diagnosed with Ascites, a complication of liver failure. Albumin 20% injections were prescribed, but treatment was having no effect. 

29 July 2025 
His health declined again, and he was rushed back to the ICU. 

30 July 2025 
Nabeel was placed on a ventilator. Doctors warned that only a liver transplant could save him and only if his health stabilised. 

Final Hours and Death 

In the early hours of 31 July 2025, Nabeel Masih passed away in Lahore at approximately 4:00 am, after spending two days in critical care on life support. Thus ended his long, painful journey through injustice, persecution, and illness. 

His death ends nearly a decade of injustice, starting with a blasphemy charge laid against him at just 16 years old—one of the youngest ever accused under Pakistan’s harsh blasphemy laws. 

Despite multiple legal failures, prolonged imprisonment, and years of harassment and delays, Nabeel consistently proclaimed his innocence. 

He died awaiting a liver transplant that was never possible to arrange in time.  

A Legacy of Injustice 

Nabeel’s case attracted international attention, with human rights groups and faith organisations calling repeatedly for legal reform and fair treatment for minorities in Pakistan. 

BACA and other supporters now call for an independent inquiry into his original arrest, brutal incarceration and trial delays. 

His story is a tragic emblem of the dangers posed by blasphemy laws and the systemic failure to protect innocent lives.