Wazirabad, Pakistan: Shabbir Masih, a 61-year-old grieving father whose wife and son were brutally murdered in 2021 by an intolerant Muslim neighbor, has turned British Asian Christian Association (BACA) for urgent assistance with a hernia surgery.

A Tragic Past

On November 9th, 2021, a longstanding dispute over sewage drainage escalated into a horrific act of violence in Wazirabad, Pakistan. Yasmeen Bibi (55) and her son, Usman Masih (26), were mercilessly beaten and shot dead by Hassan Shakoor Butt, incited by his mother, Itrat Bibi, who had harassed the Christian family for years. The dispute stemmed from objections over the passage of Christian household wastewater near a local Muslim shrine.

Following the murders, BACA stepped in to provide crucial legal and financial support to Shabbir Masih. The association funded legal proceedings that led to the conviction of Hassan Butt, who was sentenced to death by the Wazirabad District Court on October 20th, 2022 (click here). However, his mother, despite being a key instigator, was acquitted due to alleged leniency for her age. Over the past four years, BACA has continued to support Mr. Masih, enabling him to sustain himself and maintain contact with his granddaughters, Gul Janat (5) and Asma (4), who now live in their mother’s native village.

On March 10th, Mr. Masih contacted BACA’s operations manager, sharing his distress over severe pain caused by a hernia that had developed between his inner thighs. Recognizing the urgency of his situation, BACA promptly dispatched a team to his native village, where he had recently relocated to receive care from his relatives. The team transported him to a nearby hospital, where Dr. Usman Bada conducted a thorough examination and diagnosed him with inguinal hernia, recommending immediate surgery to prevent further complications.

To facilitate this essential procedure, the British Asian Christian Association has launched an appeal to raise a minimum of £500. These funds will cover the cost of the operation and support the presence of BACA’s dedicated worker, Edward Masih, who will accompany Shabbir throughout the surgery and recovery process. Every contribution, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference in helping Mr. Masih regain his health and dignity. If you would like to donate, please do so [here].

Expressing his gratitude for BACA donors who have remained steadfast in their support, Mr. Masih stated:

“I am deeply thankful to the BACA donors for standing by me through these difficult years after the tragic loss of my wife and son. Without their generosity, I would have fallen into despair. Now, as I face this new health challenge, I pray that these compassionate donors will continue their invaluable support so that I may regain my health and live with dignity.”

BACA remains steadfast in its mission to support persecuted Christians in Pakistan, offering legal aid, financial assistance, and humanitarian relief to those in desperate need. As Mr. Masih now faces a critical health crisis, BACA is committed to ensuring he receives the necessary medical care to improve his quality of life.

Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee for the British Asian Christian Association, commented:

“Shabbir Masih has endured unimaginable tragedy, and BACA has stood with him through his darkest moments. Now, as he faces a serious health challenge, we are determined to ensure he receives the medical care he needs. We call upon our generous donors to once again extend their compassion and help us raise the necessary funds for his surgery. Together, we can restore his health and give him hope for the future.”