The monsoon season in July wreaked havoc in the Sindh region this year, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. While the intensity was less severe than the previous year, the rainfall from July 19th to 24th caused significant damage to crops, houses, and livestock.

Mud houses crumbled, acres of crops were destroyed, and families found themselves displaced, seeking shelter under makeshift tents.

In the aftermath of the flood-like rains, stagnant water became breeding grounds for mosquitoes, unleashing a wave of waterborne diseases. The vulnerable population, particularly children and the elderly, suffered from ailments like diarrhea and abdominal sickness. 

Malaria and dengue began to spread unchecked, adding to the misery of those already grappling with the aftermath of the monsoon.

In the early days of August, the British Asian Christian Association (BACA) stepped forward to provide essential food aid to several Christian families residing at Khwaja Stop in Sindh.

These families, grappling with the aftermath of work loss caused by heavy rains in July 2023, reached out to BACA for support.

Our connection with the community, was established through a volunteer in Sindh who had witnessed BACA’s previous assistance to flood victims in the region the year before.

In a dramatic turn of events, Pastor Vicky, who faced allegations under FIR 2608/23 and FIR 1321/23, has been released from District Jail Faisalabad after a persistent legal battle led by advocate Mr. Akmal Bhatti. 

After three days of physical remand, the police, in a controversial move, took Pastor Vicky to an undisclosed location, denying his family the right to meet him. The family’s concerns about police misconduct were echoed by Irum Bibi, Pastor Vicky’s aunt, who detailed the police’s refusal to allow his wife and son to visit him in his cell.

Despite the irregularities, on September 28th, the judge sent Pastor Vicky to jail on judicial remand, a move deemed irregular by advocate Mr. Akmal Bhatti, citing sections 60 and 61 of the Code of Civil Procedure (CCP). These sections mandate the accused’s court appearance before deciding on remand, ensuring a fair hearing for both parties.

London, October 4, 2023 – BACA, a leading charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable children, continues its unwavering commitment to the well-being of Suleman (15 yrs), Sonia (12 yrs), and Poonam (10 yrs), who tragically lost their parents who were raped, tortured and burned alive after a false accusation on blasphemy in 2014.

Since the devastating event, BACA has been a constant source of support for the siblings, providing essential services that include a live-in nanny, home repairs, medical treatment, pest control, clothing, and the provision of essential equipment such as computers and beds.

The Greater London Authority (GLA) declared a staggering increase of over 1700 rough sleepers in 2023 compared to the same period last year, highlighting the severe toll of the cost of living crisis on Londoners (click here). This alarming situation is exacerbated by a shortage of affordable housing and the reduction of COVID-19-related funding for emergency housing provision.

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In response to this pressing issue, His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, launched a groundbreaking homeless project in June. The initiative aims to eradicate rough sleeping by providing homeless individuals with permanent housing rather than temporary accommodations. Six projects, inspired by a successful model in Finland, will be implemented across the UK, with the first launching in Belfast.

In a disturbing incident in Asad Town, Jaranwala, Pakistan, a group of hostile individuals targeted two Christians, subjecting them to violent assault.

The aggressors, using derogatory language, insulted a young Christian en route to collect a food parcel from a local church in the village, referring to him as “Choora.”

The assailants proceeded to physically attack Christian men and women before hastily fleeing the scene.

Subsequently, the police arrested two Christians under the pretext of identifying the culprits, relocating them to an undisclosed location.

This has left the Christian family deeply concerned about the well-being and safety of those detained, particularly due to the questionable legality of their arrest.

In the quiet town of Kala Gujran, Jhelum, a horrific incident unfolded on September 23, 2023, that shook the community to its core.

Persis Masih, a 16-year-old Christian girl, was abducted by a gang of three Muslim men while on her way to attend Sunday service at ALG Church. What followed was a harrowing tale of violence, sexual assault, and the resilience of a family seeking justice.

In a shocking and deeply troubling turn of events, Pastor Aleazar  AKA Vicky, a dedicated religious leader, found himself at the center of a distressing episode that began with a harrowing attack and spiraled into a nightmarish ordeal of unjust detention, alleged torture, and legal battles.

The distressing sequence of events that unfolded, revealed a state system that failed to protect the rights and dignity of the beleaguered Christian Pastor in Pakistan.

In a gruesome incident that sent shockwaves through Dera Ghazi Minara, Sheikhupura, Punjab, a gang of armed robbers subjected two Christian women to sexual assault at gunpoint while keeping the men tied up and confined to a room.

This nightmarish event occurred in the early hours of September 14th, shattering the peaceful slumber of Intezar Masih (44 years old) and his family in their home.

In a nation where religious sensitivities often run high, Pakistan has been marred by a recurring issue – blasphemy allegations.

These allegations, whether genuine or fabricated, have the power to disrupt lives and communities.

Recently, two distressing incidents unfolded in Lahore and Khanewal, shedding light on the continuing challenges faced by religious minorities and the alarming misuse of blasphemy laws.

In a powerful demonstration of solidarity and compassion, a protest was held in London to raise awareness about the ongoing persecution of Christians in India and Pakistan.

The event, organized by a coalition of individuals and organizations, sought to draw attention to the alarming incidents of violence and discrimination faced by Christian communities in these countries.

The protesters gathered at the Pakistani High Commission and later proceeded to the Indian High Commission and 10 Downing Street, where they delivered petitions and heartfelt pleas for justice, peace, and safety for persecuted Christians.