POC 13 Qasim Masih Family
The Price of Faith
- Qasim Masih – January 1, 1979 (Self)
- Komal Qasim – September 10, 1994 (Wife)
- Yashwa Qasim – May 25, 2015 (Son)
- Edric Qasim – May 3, 2017 (Son)
- Elvin Qasim — March 27, 2025 (Son)
Arrived as refugees in Bangkok: March 17, 2023
Refugee Status: “Refused” by UNHCR
Details on gaining Refugee Status is here.
Faith tested. Family threatened. Freedom fought for
Qasim Masih, a Christian tailor from Lahore, Pakistan, recounts the events that forced him and his family to flee the country due to religious persecution and threats from his former business partner, Muhammad Ali, and members of Jamaat-e-Islami, a radical Islamic organization. Qasim had a successful garment business with Muhammad Ali, but their partnership deteriorated when Ali repeatedly pressured Qasim to convert to Islam and questioned his Christian beliefs.
In July 2022, after a heated argument about religion, Muhammad Ali physically attacked Qasim and refused to return his investment in their business. Ali also accused Qasim of blasphemy, a serious charge in Pakistan that carries the death penalty. Following the attack, a mob of 8-10 men stormed Qasim’s home, assaulting his pregnant wife, Komal, and causing her to miscarry. The mob threatened to kill Qasim for blasphemy, forcing the family to flee their home and go into hiding.
Qasim and his family sought refuge with his uncle in Lahore, but the threats continued. Members of Jamaat-e-Islami searched for Qasim, spreading accusations of blasphemy and warning that he would be killed if found. Fearing for their safety, Qasim’s uncle arranged for the family to apply for a visa to Thailand.
Despite financial difficulties, Qasim and his family eventually obtained a visa and flew to Bangkok on March 16, 2023, leaving behind their home and business in Pakistan. They sought international protection from the ongoing religious persecution and threats they faced in their home country.
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Qasim Masih — Detailed Statement
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First published: 2025/08/01/
Latest revision: 2025/09/15/