Pakistan: Children of murdered Christian couple given special care over Christmas

Suleiman, Sonia and Poonam, the three children of Pakistani Christian couple who were beaten and burned to death for alleged blasphemy in November 2014, celebrated Christmas peacefully this year, thanks to volunteers from the Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation, led by Michelle Chaudhry.

The couple, Shama and Shahzad Masih, were killed two years ago in Kot Radha Kishan, in Kasur district, in Pakistani Punjab. Since then, the Foundation has taken on the responsibility of educating these children, supporting all their educational expenses like school fees, books, stationery, uniforms, extra-curricular activities costs, trips, transport, assigning even a scholarship to their grandfather, with whom they now live.

Suleiman and Sonia study at a Catholic convent school in Lahore. Both children like going to school. The headmaster and the staff are extremely happy with their progress. The smallest child, Poonam, currently in kindergarten, will join her siblings in March 2017.

Michelle Chaudhry, Catholic president of the Foundation, said: "It gives us great pleasure to see these young children who are happy, confident and calm and are doing well at school. We are happy to be part of their lives and we are doing everything we can to give these children a safe environment and healthy life, which they truly deserve."

"During the holidays, the children were given gifts and Christmas sweets. The little ones enjoyed themselves and were, as always, fascinated by the Christmas tree" said Chaudhry.

The Foundation is an independent non-profit organization committed to eradicating injustice in society, promoting the disadvantaged, vulnerable and marginalized groups within Pakistan.

Read more about the Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation here: www.facebook.com/Cecil-Iris-Chaudhry-Foundation-531030593616126/

Source: Fides/Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation/Facebook