March 2, 2015 - Andrew Bennett, Canada’s Ambassador for Religious Freedom, today issued the following statement:
“Today marks the fourth anniversary of the assassination of Shahbaz Bhatti, who served as Pakistan’s minister for minority affairs from November 2, 2008, until his death on March 2, 2011. This month also marks the second anniversary of the posthumous awarding to Mr. Bhatti of the John Diefenbaker Defender of Rights and Freedom Award by Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
“A Roman Catholic, Mr. Bhatti worked as a tireless advocate for religious freedom in Pakistan, declaring upon his appointment to the Pakistani cabinet his dedication to the struggle for human equality, social justice, religious freedom and the empowerment of religious minority communities.
“Mr. Bhatti’s sacrifice serves as an important reminder of the significant hardship faced by religious minority communities in Pakistan, who continue to face social hostility and state-sanctioned discrimination. In marking the anniversary of Mr. Bhatti’s death, I call on the Pakistani government to renew its efforts to build a society in which all Pakistanis are able to practise their faith freely and without fear.”
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