Urgent Appeal: Christian Worker Shot Dead Inside Punjab Assembly

Published: Wed, 04/08/26

Updated: Fri, 04/10/26

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV):

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Important Update: Temporary Bank Account Details

Dear Supporters,

We want to inform you that we have opened a temporary bank account while we await the setup of a more suitable charity-specific account. Unfortunately, this process is taking longer than expected, but we will update you as soon as the new account is fully operational.

In the meantime, please find our temporary bank details below:

Payee: HELP FOR PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS
Sort Code: 08-71-99
Account Number: 14605123

Our donation link has also been updated with these bank details (here).

Please note that our official charity name is Help for Persecuted Christians, while our trading name remains British Asian Christian Association.

During this transition, we have unfortunately lost a number of standing orders and direct payments. This disruption has impacted our ability to continue some of our regular work, which has been on hold for a short period.

We kindly ask those who previously supported us through regular giving to reinstate their donations using the new details above. Your support is vital, and we hope you will stand with us again so we can resume our important work without further delay.

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued generosity.

The remainder of this newsletter remains the same as the version shared two days ago.

Blessings

Hannah Chowdhry

Trapped in Limbo: Pakistani Christian Asylum Seekers in Thailand Face Dwindling Hope

Pakistani Christian asylum seekers in Thailand live in constant fear due to the country’s refusal to recognize refugees, leaving them vulnerable to arrest and detention. Many within this community are expressing deep frustration after years of living in limbo. With limited progress on resettlement options and shrinking avenues for sponsorship, some are now considering voluntary return to Pakistan—despite the very real dangers they originally fled.

On 4th March 2026, representatives from the British Asian Christian Association (BACA) and United by Faith held a strategic online meeting via Zoom with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Bangkok office. The discussion focused on assessing IOM’s operational capacity, exploring available support pathways for Pakistani Christian asylum seekers, and identifying opportunities for strengthened future collaboration.

Attendees included:

Hannah Chowdhry (Global Programs and Communications Manager, BACA)
Wilson Chowdhry (Chairman, United by Faith)
Among Pundhi Resi (IOM Program Manager for Protection and Border Governance)
Khun Sand (IOM Voluntary Assisted Returns)

The Christian and Hindu community of Jarawater, Sindh, has gained access to clean water and safe sanitation facilities thanks to BACA. After women and children faced long, unsafe journeys to collect contaminated water and struggled for privacy in open fields, BACA installed a water pump and constructed a two-seat washroom. These interventions have restored safety, dignity, and health for the community.

Yousaf Masih, a Christian sanitary worker, was brutally attacked for asking a cart owner not to throw garbage on the road. He suffered severe head and eye injuries, with his left eye seriously damaged. No action has yet been taken by local authorities. This attack highlights the ongoing risks faced by sanitation workers in Punjab and the urgent need for accountability and protection for these essential workers.

On 27th February 2026, 29-year-old Christian worker Naveed Masih was tragically shot and killed while on duty at the Punjab Assembly in Lahore. Naveed, a loving husband and father preparing to welcome his second child, had worked for five years at the Assembly. He was allegedly shot by a co-worker, Haider Ali, a private cook employed by an MPA. His death is a tragic reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by Christian employees in public institutions.

On 25th February 2026, 14-year-old Christian boy Jamil Masih was allegedly converted to Islam by his Muslim employer, Muhammad Boota, in a village in Sheikhupura, Punjab. The incident raises serious concerns about the safety and religious freedom of Christian families in rural Pakistan, many of whom rely on sending children to work in brick kilns or farms to survive. Recent cases illustrate the heightened vulnerability and exploitation faced by Christian minors.

Prayer and Advocacy

We urge all supporters to continue praying for:

Protection for vulnerable Christian communities in Pakistan, Thailand, and across South Asia.
Safety and wellbeing for civilians, holidaymakers, and residents in areas of conflict.
Wisdom and restraint among world leaders to prevent further bloodshed.
Comfort and strength for families who have lost loved ones in violent incidents.

We also encourage advocacy by contacting MPs, Senators, Lords, or other political leaders to safeguard Christian communities, protect places of worship, and support rapid humanitarian response measures.

Important Notice for Donors

We are currently transitioning between bank accounts. While this process is underway, we kindly request that all regular donors and new supporters use our online donation portal links instead of bank transfers. We hope to share new account details as soon as possible and greatly appreciate your patience and continued support.

Psalm 46:1 reminds us:
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

With hope and prayer,
Hannah Chowdhry

Support Hannah in Taking the Next Step to Fight for Justice

We are thrilled to share that Hannah Chowdhry, our Global Programmes and Communications Manager, has been offered a prestigious international internship with Go Abroad China, working alongside Jiahua Law Firm. This opportunity will give Hannah invaluable experience in international and humanitarian law—key tools she will use to advocate for persecuted Christians, especially those facing injustice under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.

To make this life-changing internship possible, Hannah has launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover programme fees, accommodation, and living expenses. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings her closer to turning her calling into action. You can support her journey [here]

Help for Persecuted Christians
PO Box 6945 London W1A 6US
UNITED KINGDOM

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