BACA URGENT Newsletter – October 2025

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
    because he has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
    and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
     to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Freedom at Last, Then Heaven’s Call: The Story of Pastor Zafar Bhatti

After 13 long, harrowing years behind bars for a crime he did not commit, Pastor Zafar Bhatti was finally acquitted of blasphemy charges on 2nd October 2025 (click here). At last, he regained the freedom he had long been denied—a moment of vindication and hope after more than a decade of injustice.

Yet just two days later, tragedy struck. Zafar passed away from cardiac arrest, leaving his devoted wife, Nawab Bibi, and the wider Christian community in profound grief (click here).

Throughout his imprisonment, BACA stood faithfully by Zafar, supporting him and advocating for justice. Upon his passing, we ensured his burial in Karachi, honoring his final wish and celebrating the courage and faith he carried to the very end.

Though Zafar’s earthly journey has ended, his unwavering faith, remarkable endurance, and ultimate vindication shine as a lasting testament to hope, resilience, and the power of Christ in the face of persecution.

Flood Relief: Continuing the Mission

Severe floods in Kasur and torrential rains in Sindh have left countless families displaced, hungry, and exposed to deadly diseases. In Bhikiwind, BACA delivered emergency food, water, and medical support to hundreds of Christian and Muslim families (click here).. Meanwhile, in Sindh, stagnant floodwaters brought malaria and other life-threatening illnesses to children as young as two. On 1st September 2025, we distributed mosquito nets to 40 of the most vulnerable families, offering protection and hope (click here).

Yet, the work is far from done. Many communities remain at risk, and our Flood Appeal is ongoing, helping us provide urgent relief, medical support, and safety to those still suffering. Your support can ensure we continue this life-saving work.

Seeking Justice for Attacks on Christians

Tragically, attacks on Christian families continue. On 13th September 2025, 18-year-old Shoaib Masih was brutally assaulted in Kot Radha Kishan, suffering fractures, burns, and severe humiliation. His attackers shaved his head, removed his eyebrows, and threatened his family to drop the case. While police have filed an FIR, the culprits remain on pre-arrest bail. BACA has visited the family, offering prayers, legal support, and financial assistance as they seek justice. Read more (here).

In another horrific incident, 28-year-old Asif Masih was attacked a day after his engagement by a mob in Vehari, Punjab, suffering fatal head injuries and later dying in hospital. BACA has supported his grieving family with funeral costs, prayers, and a pledge of legal aid as they fight for justice. Read more (here).

Your Support Makes a Difference
In the face of injustice, natural disaster, and violence, your generosity brings hope, protection, and relief. Together, we can continue to stand with Pakistan’s most vulnerable communities, ensuring safety, dignity, and justice.

[Click here to support our Flood Appeal and ongoing emergency work.]

Together, We Can Bring Hope

Every story we’ve shared reflects both immense need and the power of faithful action. With your partnership, homes are being rebuilt, children are receiving care, and the oppressed are finding hope in Christ’s love.

We cannot do this without you. Please continue to stand with us in prayer and support. [Click here to donate.]

Freedom Came Too Late: Zafar Bhatti’s Heart Stops Two Days After Release

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.

Free at Last: Zafar Bhatti Acquitted After 13 Years in Prison for Blasphemy

BACA Responds to Flood Crisis with Urgent Medical Care

Severe floods in Kasur left families displaced, hungry, and at risk of deadly diseases.

BACA reached Bhikiwind with food, water, and emergency relief during the crisis.

As sickness spread, we organised a medical camp treating hundreds of Christians and Muslims.

Your support can help us continue bringing life-saving aid to Pakistan’s flood survivors.

Christian Family Faces Violence and Intimidation After Son’s Attack

On 13th September 2025, 18-year-old Shoaib Masih was brutally attacked in Kot Radha Kishan, suffering fractures, burns, and severe humiliation.

The attackers shaved his head, removed his eyebrows, and threatened his family to drop the case.

Police filed an FIR, but the culprits remain on pre-arrest bail, leaving the family in fear.

BACA has visited the family, offering prayers, legal support, and financial assistance as they seek justice.

Saving Lives in Sindh—One Mosquito Net at a Time

Torrential rains in Sindh left Christian and Hindu families surrounded by stagnant water and deadly swarms of mosquitoes.

Children as young as two were diagnosed with malaria, while families struggled without access to healthcare or prevention.

On 1st September 2025, BACA delivered mosquito nets to 40 vulnerable families, offering safety and hope.

With your support, we can continue protecting forgotten communities from life-threatening disease.

Joy Turns to Mourning as Christian Man Killed After Engagement

A day after his engagement, 28-year-old Asif Masih was brutally attacked by a Muslim mob in Vehari, Punjab.

The gang beat him with bricks and bats, leaving him with fatal head injuries from which he later died in hospital.

His grieving family says the police report is flawed and murder charges have not yet been added.

BACA has supported the family with funeral costs, prayers, and a pledge of legal aid in their fight for justice.

A Historic Step: Our First Permanent Safe House in Pakistan

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, we proudly raised over £23,500 to secure our very first permanent safe house in Pakistan! Our  safe houses provide vital refuge and security for persecuted Christian families, many of whom face threats to their lives after fleeing violent attacks or false blasphemy allegations.

We are thrilled to share that, with the funds now fully in place, our Trustee Juliet Chowdhry will soon be travelling to Pakistan to bring this project to fruition. This marks an exciting milestone in our mission to provide safety, hope, and a new beginning for vulnerable families.

Supporting Vulnerable Children in Peru — A Personal Mission

Alongside my work with BACA, I will soon be joining my university’s Challenges Abroad team to help deprived children in Peru. This opportunity follows the life-changing experience I had in Thailand last year, where I saw first-hand how charities can transform the lives of vulnerable children. I hope to use the skills and understanding I gained to strengthen BACA’s mission of supporting disadvantaged communities around the world.

To help fund this program, our Challenges Abroad team has launched a Chuffed Campaign, and any donation would mean the world to me. So far, I have raised £460 towards the £2,000 needed for this volunteer experience, and I’m praying that more supporters will join me in making this journey possible.

Your generosity will not only enable me to participate in this important work, but will also equip me to bring back fresh ideas, strategies, and inspiration to help BACA continue its fight for justice, safety, and freedom for those who need it most.

Isaiah 25:4 – “You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.”

With gratitude and blessings,

Hannah Chowdhry

British Asian Christian Association

For more ways to support our work, please visit our donation page. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.