Pakistan: The British Asian Christian Association (BACA) remains committed to caring for the orphaned children of Shama and Shahzad Masih, the young Christian couple falsely accused of blasphemy and brutally murdered in 2014. As these children continue to grow and pursue their dreams, urgent support is needed to provide a safe home environment and meet their educational and personal needs. 

A Legacy of Pain and Perseverance 

In November 2014, the world was horrified by the brutal killing of Shahzad and Shama Masih at the brick kilns of Kasur. Both were bonded labourers, falsely accused of blasphemy to prevent Shama from filing rape charges against her employer’s accountant. Before justice could be sought, they were beaten and burned alive by a radicalised mob. (Read more here) 

Their three young children—Suleman (then 5), Sonia (3), and Poonam (1)—witnessed this unspeakable tragedy. While justice for their parents has yet to be served, BACA immediately stepped in to ensure these children would not face the world alone. 

Ongoing Care and Education 

Since that tragic day, BACA has provided consistent, comprehensive care, including: 

A live-in nanny for emotional, physical, and educational support. 

Monthly welfare visits to ensure the children’s wellbeing and to assist their grandfather and legal guardian, Mukhtar Masih (67). 

Private tuition to bolster schooling provided by another charity, uniforms, clothing, healthcare, and study resources, tailored to each child’s goals. 

Despite the trauma of their past, the children are thriving: 

Sonia (13) has successfully moved into sixth grade and dreams of becoming a doctor. 

Poonam (11) has advanced to fifth grade and hopes to become a teacher. 

Suleman (15) continues his studies and expresses deep gratitude to BACA for its unwavering support. 

Current Challenges 

During a welfare visit on 15th September, BACA staff discovered new challenges facing the family. 

Electricity cut off: The home has been without power for two months due to unpaid bills. Poonam explained that they often light candles at night to see inside their rooms. Without electricity, they also struggle to iron their school uniforms, relying on relatives for help. 

Financial strain: Grandfather Mukhtar is unable to work due to ill health. He relies on small government funds, which have not been paid for three months. 

Inadequate storage: The children have no cupboard for their clothes. They currently use a borrowed steel cupboard with broken doors that cannot be repaired. Their nanny, Yasmin Bibi, stressed the urgent need for a proper cupboard, especially for the girls’ privacy. 

The children’s broken cupboard, which BACA hopes to replace to provide them with safe and proper storage 

Sonia, ever hopeful despite these hardships, told BACA officers about her upcoming birthday. She invited them to celebrate with her and requested a pink cake for the occasion—a small but touching reminder of the simple joys every child deserves. 

The cost of a new steel cupboard is £200, and restoring electricity requires covering the overdue bills amounting to around £100. 

Standing Together for Shama and Shahzad’s Children 

Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee of British Asian Chritian Association: 

“These children have endured unimaginable loss, yet their courage and hope inspire us every day. It is our duty—and our privilege—to ensure they have a safe home, an education, and the childhood they deserve. No child should grow up in darkness or fear.” 

Having faced unimaginable loss, these children are striving toward brighter futures. They now urgently need support to restore electricity, secure proper storage, and continue their education without interruption.