Rawalpindi: After 13 long years behind bars for a crime he did not commit, Pastor Zafar Bhatti was finally acquitted of blasphemy charges on 2nd October 2025, regaining his long-awaited freedom. 

Just two days later, he tragically passed away from cardiac arrest, leaving his devoted wife Nawab Bibi and the Christian community in deep mourning. 

BACA, who stood by Zafar throughout his imprisonment, immediately arranged for his burial in Karachi, fulfilling his final wish. 

Though his earthly journey has ended, Zafar’s faith, endurance, and ultimate vindication remain a powerful testament to hope in Christ amidst persecution. 

It is with deep sorrow that the British Asian Christian Association (BACA) announces the tragic death of Zafar Bhatti, who passed away from cardiac arrest only two days after being acquitted of false blasphemy charges. Watch his last ever interview here: 

Please press the captions icon in YouTube to translate the video. 

On 2nd October 2025, the Lahore High Court Rawalpindi Bench officially acquitted Zafar Bhatti of the blasphemy charges that had kept him behind bars for 13 years. That night, he was released from prison and escorted safely by our team to reunite with his devoted wife, Nawab Bibi, who had faithfully waited for him throughout his ordeal. It was a moment of joy and vindication—Zafar’s innocence had finally been proved in court, and he had walked free at last. (Read more here)  

From Celebration to Tragedy 

BACA had arranged for a full medical check-up for Zafar Bhatti on Monday, 6th October to ensure his health after years of incarceration. However, on the evening of Sunday 5th October at around 8:30 pm (4.30 pm GMT), Nawab Bibi phoned a BACA officer in distress, reporting that Zafar was unwell and in urgent need of medical care. 

Our team immediately called the 1122 emergency helpline, and paramedics arrived without delay. But the unthinkable had already happened—Zafar Bhatti had died of cardiac arrest before he could be transferred to hospital. 

A Nation Mourns 

Zafar Bhatti’s sudden death has sent shockwaves of grief and sorrow throughout the Christian community in Pakistan. For 13 long years, he had endured unjust imprisonment, maintaining his innocence until the end. He died a free man, but only just. 

His wife, Nawab Bibi, was inconsolable. We stood beside her as she wept over her husband’s body, crying: 

“You cannot leave me alone, Zafar.” 
“I did no wrong to you; I remained faithful, waiting for your return.” 
“Who will I turn to now? I want to die with you, Zafar.” 

Zafar had expressed his wishes while still in prison that, should anything happen to him, he be buried in his hometown of Karachi, where his family lives. BACA has made arrangements to transport his body to Karachi for burial, fulfilling his final will. 

The body of Zafar Bhatti prepared for burial, following his sudden passing just two days after his release 

Standing With Nawab 

Several charities have reported on this family’s story, but only the British Asian Christian Association has provided direct support. We paid for the legal services of Saif ul Malook and continued to cover hundreds of pounds each month for groceries, a carer, healthcare and rent—both during and after Zafar’s imprisonment. While we did receive early support from Church in Chains (Ireland) and Christian Solidarity International who we thank profusely, over the past five years our work has been sustained entirely by direct donors. 

A recent claim by Release International suggesting that the couple had children is false and highlights how little personal contact they actually had with Nawab and Zafar. Nawab Bibi is a lone widow who has been fully supported by us alone. 

Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee of the British Asian Christian Association: 

“Zafar Bhatti’s faith never wavered, even through years of injustice and pain. After 13 long years apart, he was finally reunited with his beloved wife, Nawab — a moment of joy and answered prayer. Though his passing came too soon, we take comfort knowing he died a free man, vindicated at last and now resting in the eternal peace of Christ.” 

BACA continues to stand with Nawab Bibi, who after years of waiting now faces this devastating loss. We will support her through this time of grief, as she struggles to come to terms with the loss of her husband and the abrupt end to their long-awaited reunion. 

Zafar Bhatti’s story remains a stark reminder of the ongoing injustices faced by Christians under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. His life, suffering, and death will not be forgotten.