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BACA Brings Christmas Cheer to Ibrahim Khan Mari, Sharing Love and Hope with Christian and Hindu CommunitiesSample Article Headline
On December 21st, 2024, the British Asian Christian Association (BACA) brought Christmas joy to the Christian and Hindu communities of Ibrahim Khan Mari, Sindh, with a special meal and a delicious Christmas cake. This heartfelt gesture of love, hope, and
gratitude was a reminder to these families, who endure difficult living conditions and low wages working on Muslim landlords’ farms, that they are not forgotten. Over 20 families gathered to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, sharing in worship, a message of faith, and a festive meal that brought light to their holiday season.
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Beleaguered Pakistani Christian Asylum Seekers Celebrate Christmas with Joyful Gathering in Bangkok
Pakistani Christian asylum-seeking families in Bangkok, Thailand, came together on December 24th for a heartwarming Christmas celebration hosted by the British Asian Christian Association (BACA). Held at Joyous Celebration Church, the event provided over
20 families with a rare opportunity to share the festive spirit, savor traditional Pakistani cuisine and witness children’s heartfelt performances of Christian worship songs and traditional carols. With gifts for children, food grants for families, and a delicious cake-cutting ceremony, the celebration brought much-needed joy and connection to those who have endured years of hardship while awaiting resettlement.
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Christian Teen Fights Back in Court rape trial, Brother Freed from Slavery Starts New vocational Journey
After a Christian teenager was abducted and raped by a Muslim man, the British Asian Christian Association (BACA) stepped in to support the victim with legal representation and advocacy. In a significant development, the pre-arrest bail of the rapist,
Ansar Shah, has been canceled by both the Sessions Court in Sheikhupura and the Lahore High Court, signaling progress in the fight for justice. BACA has been instrumental in gathering crucial evidence and assisting the police in a raid on Shah’s residence. Despite these efforts, Shah remains a fugitive, hiding at an unknown location to evade arrest. To prevent his escape abroad, BACA has filed an application urging the police to block his passport and national identity card.
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Celebrating the Spirit of Christmas with Christian Families in our safe houses
On Sunday, 22nd December, the British Asian Christian Association (BACA) organized a heartwarming Christmas dinner to bring hope and joy to Christian families under their care. This special event aimed to foster a sense of belonging and encouragement for
families who have endured significant hardships due to their vulnerable status in a predominantly Muslim society. The gathering offered these families an opportunity to connect, build solidarity, and find comfort in knowing they are not alone during challenging times.
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Exposing the Truth: How BACA Confronted Forgery and Evasion in a Double Murder Case
On 24th October 2024, two Christian brothers, Imran Denial (30) and Arslan Denial (24), were tragically gunned down by drug lords Ali Butt, Qadir Butt, and their accomplices in the bustling main bazaar of Rachna Town. The violence erupted following a
heated confrontation when the brothers courageously refused to allow the sale of drugs in their hair salon. Imran was killed instantly, while Arslan succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital. The assailants’ rampage left a trail of devastation, with multiple rounds fired indiscriminately. Alongside the brothers, an innocent girl passing through the bazaar was struck, and their cousin, Waleed Masih, along with Shahid Masih, sustained
injuries. The family now lives in constant fear, as the perpetrators remain at large, and law enforcement has yet to apprehend any suspects. This
inaction has compounded their grief and heightened their sense of vulnerability.
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Growing Homelessness Crisis Drives Demand for BACA’s Free Hot Meals Service in Ilford
The British Asian Christian Association (BACA) is witnessing an unprecedented surge in demand for its free hot meals service for the homeless in Ilford, as homelessness in London reaches record levels. Visitor numbers at BACA’s service have nearly
doubled, with over 70 individuals, including families with young children, attending some distributions.
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On 14 April 2023, the Manipur High Court directed the state government
to recommend Scheduled Tribe status for the Meitei community, a move later criticized by the Supreme Court. Protesting this demand, the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur organized peaceful marches on 3 May. Following one such march, clashes erupted between Kuki and Meitei groups near the Churachandpur and Bishnupur district border, escalating into widespread violence, house burnings, and targeted attacks. Within a week, 100 Kukis had been killed some burned alive within their own houses.
Christmas celebrations were subdued and sombre in 2023 as nearly 200 bodies were laid to rest in two mass burial. Since then, tensions have
escalated, with over 300 churches destroyed and numerous militant attacks. Over 70,000 Christians have been displaced, further impacted by severe flooding during June’s monsoon. On 7th November, 10 more Christians were killed under suspicious circumstances involving security forces, sparking a coffin rally of 10,000 people. Peace continues to elude Christians in Manipur.
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UK Politicians Lead the Charge for the Protection of Religious Minorities in Pakistan
Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee of the British Asian Christian Association (BACA), expresses her heartfelt gratitude for the tireless efforts of UK politicians working towards improving the human rights conditions for Pakistani Christians and other
religious minorities. Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee of the British Asian Christian Association (BACA), has expressed her profound joy and appreciation for the significant progress made by UK politicians in both the House of Lords and the House of Commons regarding the issue of persecution of Christians in Pakistan. These developments are a beacon of hope for marginalized religious minorities who continue to endure abuse, violence, and even killings in Pakistan’s increasingly intolerant society. One
notable development arose from Lord Marlesford’s recent parliamentary question, which aimed to bring international attention to the ongoing persecution of Christians in Pakistan. His question was inspired by an article published by the British Asian Christian Association (BACA), which called for the UK to grant asylum to Zafar Bhatti—Pakistan’s longest-serving blasphemy prisoner—and urged greater involvement from Western nations in securing his acquittal after 12 years of unjust
imprisonment.
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Shining a Light on Religious Persecution: UK Parliament’s Strong Stand Against Pakistan’s Abuses
On 28th November 2024, the House of Commons witnessed a crucial debate on the deteriorating state of religious freedom in Pakistan. MPs from across political lines came together to raise their voices against the systematic persecution faced by religious
minorities, including Christians, Ahmadis, Shi’a Muslims, and the Baloch people. The session marked an important step in holding the Pakistani government accountable and galvanizing UK support for the human rights of these vulnerable communities. The debate began with Jim Shannon MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion or Belief, who delivered a compelling opening speech. He highlighted some of the most urgent
human rights issues in Pakistan, inclChristians in Jaranwala province,” the uding “barbaric attacks on “relentless persecution of Ahmadis,” and the “genocidal violence against Shi’a Muslims in Parachinar,” issues that have been widely reported and condemned by international human rights organizations. His speech set a strong tone for the debate, calling for concrete actions from the UK government and the international community to address the abuses faced by
religious minorities in Pakistan.
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