London: (By Hannah Chowdhry and Juliet Chowdhry) A routine grocery trip turned into a nightmare for a Christian brick kiln worker, who was brutally robbed and raped at gunpoint by two unknown assailants. The police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the culprits.

The British Asian Christian Association (BACA) team visited the victim’s family to offer support and solidarity. They escorted the family to the police station and obtained a copy of the FIR to ensure the case is properly pursued.

On August 10, 2024, Atia Bibi, a 28-year-old Christian woman, was subjected to a harrowing ordeal in Chak No. 34, District Faisalabad. At around 2:00 p.m., Atia, her husband Naveed Masih (31), her younger sister Ulfat Bibi (18), and her 2-year-old son Sharoon Naveed were en route to Ameen Pur Bangla, a nearby town, when they were ambushed by robbers.

The assailants initially robbed the family at gunpoint, taking their money, mobile phone, and Rs. 4,500 (£12). After this initial robbery, the robbers brutally beat the family and left them in the sugarcane fields. As they were recovering and contemplating their next steps, the robbers returned with even more sinister intentions.

The culprits forced the family back into the fields, where they threatened Naveed and demanded that Atia walk further into the fields. When Atia refused, they threatened to kill her husband and son. Despite her resistance, the robbers proceeded to sexually assault her. Atia shared with BACA, “I sat down after walking a short distance and refused to go any further. They then threatened to take my younger sister with them.”

The British Asian Christian Association (BACA) has since visited the family to offer support, escorted them to the police station, and ensured that a First Information Report (FIR) was filed against the assailants.

Atia Bibi, a 28-year-old Christian woman, endured a harrowing ordeal on August 10, 2024, in Chak No. 34, District Faisalabad. She described the trauma to BACA, saying, “I begged them to leave me, but they pushed me further into the sugarcane field and raped me multiple times.”

Her husband, Naveed Masih, recounted the brutal violence they faced: “They slapped and punched me repeatedly, leaving marks on my body. One of the robbers took my wife into the field while another held a gun to my head, threatening to kill my son if I resisted or made any noise.”

The attack lasted between one and a half to two hours before the assailants finally fled. In a desperate bid for help, Naveed immediately went to his brick kiln and informed his employer, Muhammad Farooq Chairman, who then called the police.

Officers from Sandal Bar Police Station arrived at the brick kiln, where they collected details from Naveed and Atia. A First Information Report (FIR No. 736/24) has been filed against two unknown assailants, with charges under Sections 376 and 392 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) for rape and robbery.

Naveed Masih and his wife Atia work tirelessly at the brick kiln of Mian Muhammad Farooq Chairman, where they live in a small servant quarter. They work from dawn until dusk, earning Rs. 1,200 (£3.72) a day. However, Rs. 400 (£1.02) of their earnings is deducted to repay a loan of Rs. 172,000 (£483), leaving them with minimal income. The couple’s four children—Shunila (10), Ayan (9), Roshni (7), and Sharoon (2)—also help with work at the brick factory.

In the wake of the horrific attack on August 10, 2024, the British Asian Christian Association (BACA) team visited the family to offer support and stand in solidarity with them. Naveed Masih has appealed to BACA for assistance in seeking justice for the brutal crime they endured. BACA is committed to helping the family navigate this challenging situation and ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable.

The British Asian Christian Association (BACA) is committed to supporting Naveed Masih and his family in their recovery from this devastating ordeal. We have offered to cover medical expenses for all family members, assist with replacing stolen items, and provide compensation for the time they have missed from work.

To aid in their rehabilitation, we are hoping to raise £500 to help with their immediate needs. Additionally, we would like to raise £483 to cover the 172,000 Pak Rupee loan that has burdened the family and contributed to their exploitation in brick kiln work. Our goal is to support the Masih family as they begin to heal and rebuild their lives.  You can donate to this appeal (here).

Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee of the British Asian Christian Association, said:

“The brutality of the attack on Atia Bibi and her family is both shocking and heartbreaking. This heinous crime underscores the urgent need to ensure that those responsible are held accountable, not only to deliver justice for the victims but also to protect others from such violence. Brick kiln workers, who often face exploitation and lack support, are particularly vulnerable to such attacks, with authorities frequently failing to provide adequate assistance. Our commitment is to seek justice and stand against the exploitation of the most vulnerable in our society. We must act decisively to address these injustices and ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted and convicted to prevent further atrocities.”