News Desk
Toronto, Canada – International Christian Voice (ICV) organized the Shahbaz Bhatti Memorial Dinner on March 8, 2024, in Toronto, Canada, commemorating the 13th Anniversary of Shahbaz Bhatti’s Martyrdom and honoring his contributions to minorities, particularly the Christian Community in Pakistan. The event drew over four hundred and fifty attendees from various faith communities associated with ICV, along with distinguished guests.
Shahbaz Bhatti, a prominent Pakistani politician who served as a member of the National Assembly from 2008 to 2011 and as the Minister for Minorities Affairs, was tragically assassinated by terrorists on March 2, 2011, in Islamabad, purportedly due to blasphemy allegations.
ICV’s mission is to advocate for a world where people of all faiths can coexist freely and equally. As a registered charity and Sponsorship Agreement Holder, ICV has facilitated the resettlement of over 180 refugees in Canada, solely relying on private citizen donations.
The evening commenced with prayers, followed by the national anthem and a video tribute titled “Remembering Shahbaz,” featuring heartfelt remarks from Jason Kenney, former Minister for Citizenship, Immigration, and Multiculturalism Canada. Notable speakers honoring Martyr Shahbaz included Hon. Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Ruby Sahota, M.P. Brampton North, Hon. Shuvaloy Majumdar, M.P. for Calgary Heritage, and Hon. Patrick Brown, Mayor of the City of Brampton. Keynote speaker David Bhatti, nephew of Shahbaz Bhatti and an aspiring politician, delivered a touching tribute.
Dr. Colin Saldanha served as the Master of Ceremonies, and Mayor Patrick Brown issued an annual City Proclamation designating March 2nd as ‘A Day of Remembrance and Action on Religious Freedom’ in honor of Shahbaz’s martyrdom.
Peter Bhatti, Chairman of ICV and elder brother of Shahbaz Bhatti, expressed gratitude to the speakers, attendees, supporters, sponsors, community leaders, and members in Canada. He reaffirmed ICV’s commitment to assisting persecuted religious minorities in resettling in Canada.