Lahore, Pakistan – 11 April 2025
On 9th April, 24-year-old Nabeel Masih underwent a successful surgery at Farooq Hospital in Lahore for the removal of several large lipomas from his thighs—masses that had caused him immense pain and discomfort for years. Thanks to the financial and moral support of donors through the British Asian Christian Association (BACA), Nabeel is now recovering well and feeling significant relief.
BACA’s local team accompanied Nabeel to Farooq Hospital, where he completed the necessary pre-surgical assessments. He was also supported by his elder brother, Wakeel Masih (29), who expressed deep gratitude on behalf of their family.
“My family and I are thankful to BACA for arranging this costly surgery to remove the large lipomas from my younger brother’s body,” said Wakeel. “Without your generous support, this would never have been possible. We are thankful for every bit of help you have given Nabeel from the beginning, and we hope your support will continue until he is acquitted.”
The two-hour procedure was carried out by Dr. Muhammad Asif Shah, a specialist at the private Farooq Hospital. The operation successfully removed multiple lipomas, bringing long-awaited physical relief to Nabeel.
Nabeel shared his heartfelt thanks after returning home:
“I feel much relieved, and it was only possible through the support of BACA. Thank you for standing with me in my pain and struggle.”
Nabeel’s health issues are only one part of his ordeal. Arrested at the age of 16 under controversial blasphemy charges (Sections 295 and 295-A of the Pakistan Penal Code), he spent over four years in prison before being released in March 2021. Since then, BACA has stood by him—providing legal aid, medical support, and ongoing advocacy.
Despite the passage of time, Nabeel’s legal case remains unresolved. Although key witnesses Akhtar Ali, Basharat Khan, and Muhammad Ramzan recorded their statements in February 2025, the cross-examination phase has faced repeated delays. Each hearing date set for cross-examination has been hampered by the absence of either the judge or the witnesses, prolonging Nabeel’s suffering and uncertainty.
“This judicial delay is deeply frustrating,” said Juliet Chowdhry a Trustee for British Asian Chrstian Association. “Nabeel lives under the constant threat of re-arrest, which could have been avoided had the justice system worked impartially and efficiently.”
Yet, amidst these challenges, Nabeel continues to find hope through his faith.
“The love of God, who saved me from prison, remains kindled in my heart,” he said. “I trust I will be acquitted from this case soon.”
Nabeel Masih’s blasphemy case stands on no solid evidence, yet he unjustly lost four vital years of his life behind bars. It was only through the persistent efforts of the British Asian Christian Association—after multiple failed attempts by other charities—that his bail was finally secured.
We are still fighting for his full acquittal, but his hearings are frequently delayed without explanation, as fearful judges bow to pressure from rising extremism. This battle for justice is far from over.
Each year, we continue to cover the significant costs of Nabeel’s legal defence, his secure accommodation, and daily living expenses—amounting to thousands of pounds annually. We urgently need your support to keep this fight alive.
Please help us continue the battle for justice by donating [here].
Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee of the British Asian Christian Association, added:
Watching Nabeel’s journey has been deeply moving. For years, he has endured immense physical pain and emotional distress caused by the growth of multiple lipomas, which severely affected his mobility and quality of life. It is only through the compassion and generosity of our donors that we have been able to ensure he receives consistent medical care, culminating in this critical operation.
As a mother, and as someone committed to the dignity and well-being of every individual we support, I am overjoyed that Nabeel’s surgery was successful and that he is now pain-free. His resilience in the face of such adversity continues to inspire us all.
However, our concerns extend far beyond his physical health. Nabeel remains imprisoned under Pakistan’s notorious blasphemy laws—a young man who was arrested as a minor, and whose only true ‘crime’ was being born into a vulnerable Christian community. Though his body is healing, the shadow of an unjust conviction still looms large over his future.
Nabeel carries within him both the hope of eventual acquittal and the fear of a system that too often fails the innocent. We stand beside him, advocating for justice, praying for his release, and working to ensure that one day he can live a life free from fear and full of opportunity.
We thank God for this medical breakthrough and extend our heartfelt gratitude to every supporter who made it possible. Together, we are restoring hope where it is needed most—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.”
For further information or to support BACA’s work, please contact:
British Asian Christian Association
📧 admin@britishasianchristians.org
