Pakistan: On 26th June 2024, 22-year-old Basharat Masih, a Christian waiter from Faisalabad, was arrested under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws while travelling to his new job in Naran. 

He has remained in Adiala Jail for over a year, accused of a crime he denies, with his family unable to afford legal representation. 

As court hearings continue, the judge has now demanded a defence lawyer after Basharat’s previous lawyer withdrew from the case, leaving his family and loved ones in deep despair. 

The British Asian Christian Association is urgently seeking support to fund his legal defence and fight for his freedom. 

Plea for Legal Help 

On 24th October 2025, Basharat’s uncle Naveed Masih (33) contacted BACA, distressed that the judge had warned the family to produce a solicitor by the next hearing or risk further consequences. The family’s situation has deteriorated since Basharat’s arrest. His father, George Masih (46), a daily labourer, has developed symptoms of dementia due to stress and fear. His wife, Mehnaz Bibi, is left with no income to support the family. 

Naveed, who works as a tractor driver, told BACA: 

“We cannot hire a solicitor—it is beyond our reach. Please help us get justice for Basharat.” 

Naveed Masih, uncle of Basharat Masih, pleads for justice and legal help for his imprisoned nephew 

Travelling for court hearings and prison visits has placed a heavy financial burden on the family. BACA is currently liaising with renowned human rights lawyer Saif ul Malook to represent Basharat and ensure he receives a fair trial. The next hearing is scheduled for 5th November. Mr. Malook has previously collaborated with our charity on two of the most high-profile and challenging cases in Pakistan—securing Asia Bibi’s freedom in 2019 and obtaining the release of Zafar Bhatti just a month ago; tragically, Mr. Bhatti passed away three days after being acquitted and set free. 

The legal fees for Mr. Malook’s representation and travel costs amount to £5,000, and we urgently appeal for donations to help cover this cost and support Basharat’s fight for justice. 

Background: Arrest and False Accusation 

Basharat, a waiter from Faisalabad was arrested on 26th June 2024 while travelling to Naran to start a new job at a restaurant. Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officers raided the bus at Stop No. 26, Rawalpindi, confiscated his phone, and accused him of sharing blasphemous content online—charges he denies completely. 

In September 2024, BACA first met Basharat during a prison visit and later visited his family, who pleaded for legal support. Married just months before his arrest, Basharat had been the sole breadwinner for his parents, wife, and younger siblings. 

Basharat Masih’s heartbroken family longs for his safe return home 

BACA’s Commitment 

BACA remains steadfast in providing legal and financial support to Basharat and his family, ensuring they are not abandoned in their time of crisis. The case reflects the ongoing misuse of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws to persecute innocent Christians. 

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

“Basharat’s story is yet another example of how Pakistan’s blasphemy laws destroy innocent lives. We cannot allow fear or poverty to silence justice. BACA will stand by Basharat’s family until he is free.”