News by email Donate

Suggestions

Shazad-and-Shama-pakistan-main_article_image.png
BPCA
World News

Pakistan Christians burnt alive - still no convictions two years on

by Aaron James

Shama Masih, 24 and five months pregnant at the time, and her husband Shahzad Masih, 26, were beaten by an angry mob and thrown alive into a burning brick kiln in Kot Radha Kishan in Punjab province in November 2014.

It's after allegations they blasphemed against the Quran whilst working as labourers at the site.

The British Pakistani Christian Association (BPCA) has said while more than 100 people have been arrested since Shama and Shahzad's murders, no one has been convicted.

The brick kiln owner who originally brought the blasphemy claims against the couple has also walked free.

The BPCA has been providing support for the couple's surviving children. The Pakistani government has officially awarded the children compensation but it cannot be accessed until they're 18.

A service (below) remembering two years since Shama and Shahzad's deaths was held in Kot Radha Kishan recently.

BPCA
BPCA

Wilson Chowdhry, from the BPCA, told Premier: "It's extremely disappointing. The impunity with which attacks on Christian communities occur, where the perpetrators simply get off, is ridiculous.

"Something seriously has to be done to speed up the court process but also to ensure safety for witnesses who could convict criminals.

"When the main perpetrator is released it does only give us a slither of hope that any convictions will come to fruition.

"Like many instances where Christians have been attacked, all of these individuals will be exonerated and sadly, justice again, will be overlooked."

Listen to Premier's Aaron James speaking to Wilson Chowdhry:

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate