Pattoki, Pakistan: Front row (left to right): Arshad Masih, Kafia Bibi, Haniyal Masih and Abraham Masih. Back row: Two local community members standing in solidarity with the family.

British Asian Christian Association continues to support Arshad Masih and his family as police investigation moves forward

The British Asian Christian Association (BACA) continues to stand alongside Christian father Arshad Masih and his family in Pattoki, Punjab, following the devastating fire that destroyed their home in an alleged revenge attack after the theft of a church battery.

Arshad, his wife Kafia Bibi and their two young sons, Haniyal, 8, and Abraham, 5, were left without a home after their property was set ablaze on 5 July 2026, while the family was attending Sunday worship at the Pakistan Gospel Church.

The fire destroyed much of the family’s possessions and severely damaged the structure of their home. Arshad, who earns a living selling fruit, also lost items connected to his livelihood, leaving the family facing both homelessness and financial hardship.

Since the attack, BACA has remained in close contact with Arshad and has continued to monitor both his welfare and the progress of the police investigation.

BACA Returns to Assess Fire Damage

On 14 July 2026, a BACA team returned to Arshad’s burnt home in Pattoki to assess the damage and determine what would be required to make the property safe and habitable again.

The inspection revealed significant structural damage, particularly to the bedroom and sitting hall. The sitting hall had been almost completely destroyed by the fire.

The intense heat had caused plaster to peel away from the walls, while cracks had appeared in the roof, further compromising the strength and safety of the building.

BACA officers told Arshad that the organisation was prepared to begin repairing his home without delay. However, Arshad asked BACA to wait until the police had completed their investigation because officers still needed access to the property to examine the scene and collect samples.

BACA respected his request and has continued to wait for the investigation to progress before commencing the repairs.

Aftermath of the arson attack to the house

Christian Parliamentarian Raises Arshad’s Case

Arshad also informed BACA that Baba Falbus, a Christian parliamentarian, had raised his case in the Punjab Assembly and called for the matter to be dealt with on its merits.

His intervention has added further attention to the case and increased pressure for the investigation to be completed fairly and without undue delay.

The police have since collected evidence relating to the incident. During a court hearing on 6 August, the court directed the police to submit their investigation report without further delay.

For Arshad and his family, the progress represents an important step towards establishing what happened and ensuring that the case is dealt with through due process.

BACA Stands With Arshad at Police Hearing

On 6 August, Arshad contacted a BACA officer following the court hearing. He explained that the Deputy Superintendent of Police had called both him and those accused in connection with the incident to a hearing at his office in Pattoki.

Arshad asked BACA to attend the meeting alongside him so that he would have support while presenting his concerns.

BACA responded immediately.

On 7 August, a BACA team travelled to Pattoki and stood alongside Arshad at the meeting held at the office of the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Pattoki, Mr Nasir Mehmood Malik.

Mr Malik heard the arguments presented by both parties and directed the Station House Officer (SHO) and the Investigation Officer (IO) to complete their investigation report and determine the matter on its merits.

BACA will continue to monitor the case and support Arshad as the investigation proceeds.

“It Encourages Me to Feel Strong”

For Arshad, BACA’s involvement has provided more than financial assistance. At a time when his family has lost its home and livelihood, knowing that others are willing to stand with him has helped restore some sense of strength and hope.

Thanking BACA for its continued support, Arshad said:

“I am thankful to BACA for helping me financially and coming to stand with me. It encourages me to feel strong. God bless you.”

His words reflect the profound importance of solidarity for a family navigating the aftermath of a devastating attack.

Juliet Chowdhry: “We Will Not Leave This Family to Face This Alone”

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

“When we first visited Arshad’s home, we saw the terrible reality of what this family had lost. Their home had been devastated, their possessions destroyed and their children’s sense of security shattered. It is heartbreaking that weeks later, they are still waiting to rebuild what was taken from them.

“But Arshad has shown extraordinary courage. He has continued to seek justice through the proper channels, even while living with the consequences of losing his home and livelihood. We are deeply grateful that the police investigation is progressing and that the court has directed that the report be completed without delay.

“BACA’s commitment is not simply to provide financial assistance and walk away. We believe that standing with vulnerable Christian families means being present when they need support, accompanying them through difficult processes and making sure they know that they have not been forgotten.

“Arshad’s words—that our presence encourages him to feel strong—are deeply moving. No family should have to face such devastation alone. We will remain beside Arshad and his family, and as soon as the investigation allows, BACA will begin repairing their home so that this family can once again have a safe place to live.

“We ask people of goodwill around the world to remember this family in their prayers and, where possible, to support our work. For Arshad, restoring the house is not simply about bricks, walls and a roof. It is about restoring safety, dignity and hope to his wife and children.”

BACA Will Repair the Family Home

BACA remains committed to repairing Arshad’s home as soon as the police investigation is complete and the property can be released for repair work.

The organisation has already provided emergency financial assistance to help Arshad begin rebuilding his livelihood and has appealed for £2,000 to help repair the property, replace essential household possessions and support the family as they recover from their losses.

The damage to the house is a visible reminder of what the family has endured. But alongside the physical destruction is another reality: a father trying to rebuild his livelihood, a mother trying to provide stability for her children, and two young boys who have seen their home and belongings disappear in a matter of minutes.