London: (By Hannah Chowdhry and Juliet Chowdhry) The tragic events unfolded over a dispute regarding the passage of sewage water near the home of a Christian family, triggering the brutal murder of Usman Masih and Yasmeen Bibi.

Despite the perpetrator, Hasan Shakoor Butt, being sentenced to death in October 2021, his mother, Ishrat Bibi, was spared due to her age, despite her involvement in instigating the violence.

On January 8th, 2024, BACA’s compassionate team traveled to a remote village in Muredke to ensure Shabir Masih’s well-being, shattered by the heinous actions of a fundamentalist neighbor who mercilessly took the lives of his son, Usman Masih, and wife, Yasmeen Bibi.

The couple, Usman Masih (26 yrs) and Yasmeen Bibi (55 yrs), were brutally slain on November 9th, 2021, after enduring verbal abuse, physical assault, and indignities at the hands of Itrat Bibi, a local Muslim woman, outraged by the presence of sewage water from a Christian household near a Muslim shrine cared for by her family. The continuous torment endured by the Masih family at the hands of Itrat Bibi and her sons escalated to tragic consequences.

At the District Court in Wazirabad, during a hearing in which a BACA funded solicitor represented Mr. Masih, on October 9th, 2022, nearly a year after his arrest, the judge ruled in favor of the prosecution and handed down two death sentences and a fine of 600,000 Pak-rupees (£2547) to the Muslim fundamentalist and murderer, Hassan Butt (click here). However, the court acquitted his mother, Itrat Bibi, who was already on post-arrest bail, reportedly due to leniency stemming from her status as an elderly Muslim woman.

Despite the legal proceedings resulting in convictions for Hasan Butt, Shabir Masih remains disillusioned by the judicial leniency shown towards individuals directly involved in the murder of his loved ones. His disappointment was compounded by the Lahore High Court’s rejection of his appeal for a joint enterprise decision, as he perceived bias in the decision-making process. Mr Masih, said:

Mr. Masih shared with BACA, “I have yet to receive any money. Nonetheless, money cannot offer solace for the loss of my young son and wife. I now live alone. If it weren’t for God and the grace He has shown me through my two grandchildren and faithful daughter-in-law, I wouldn’t be here today. While I do experience moments of depression and isolation, prayer and the love of my remaining family provide some comfort. I loved my wife and son deeply, and it saddens me that they are not here to witness the growth of these little girls.”

Usman Masih’s legacy lives on through his wife, Mariyam Bibi (25 yrs), and their two daughters, Gul Janat (5 yrs)and Asma (4 yrs). Despite the financial assistance from BACA, Shabir Masih grapples with the haunting memories of his son and wife, opting to reside with a relative in a desolate house adjacent to a Christian graveyard in Mureedke, Sheikhupura, to evade further confrontation with the family of the perpetrator.

Mariyam Bibi relocated to Gujrat to reside with her parents, where she was initially intended to marry a Christian man. However, Mr. Masih informed us that Mariyam Bibi remains unmarried and is dedicatedly caring for her granddaughter with love and diligence.

Mr. Masih often journeys to Gujrat to spend time with his granddaughters. He informed BACA, “I use a portion of the financial assistance provided by BACA to support my daughter-in-law.”

BACA continues to offer vital support to Shabir Masih, ensuring his connection with our compassionate team and providing essential financial aid as he navigates through the aftermath of unspeakable tragedy. Shabir Masih is among the numerous beneficiaries who regularly receive financial assistance from our organization. Your contribution can enable us to sustain this vital support system. Please consider donating (here) to help us continue our mission.

Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee for British Asian Christian Association, said: “Shabir Masih has endured an unimaginable loss. He experienced the heart-wrenching moment of holding his dying son in his arms, with his deceased wife lying nearby, enduring one of the most agonizing traumas imaginable. In the face of such sorrow, both his church and BACA offered comfort and solidarity. However, his true strength has emerged from his unwavering faith and love for God. It is remarkable that despite his grief, he remains a dedicated grandparent and has not succumbed to depression. We are grateful for his resilience and the presence of God in his life.”