News Desk
March 2, 2024 Minority rights activists from across the globe mark the 13th anniversary of Shahbaz Bhatti’s martyrdom, Pakistan’s former Federal Minister of Minorities Affairs and the first Christian parliamentarian in the nation. Bhatti, known for his advocacy of a diverse, multicultural society, was tragically gunned down outside his mother’s home in Islamabad in 2011, labeled an “infidel Christian” by his assailants. Despite his untimely death, Bhatti’s legacy as a fervent champion of religious freedom endures, said the press release
Joseph Jansen, a minority rights activist, laments the ongoing challenges facing religious minorities in Pakistan. He highlights cases like Shaufta Karin, Junaid Hafeez, Zafar Bhatti, and Anwar Kenneth, who have faced imprisonment or death row on blasphemy charges. Jansen calls for legal reforms to protect minority rights and ensure accountability for false accusations.
Jansen also underlined the presumption of guilt faced by blasphemy suspects, which undermines fair trials and perpetuates social bias.
Shamauan Alfred, Vice President of Minority Alliance Pakistan, shares Jansen’s concerns and emphasizes the need to protect both blasphemy accused and their advocates from social stigma and persecution.
Alfred urges Pakistan to enforce laws against false accusations, safeguard blasphemy suspects, and release religious prisoners of conscience.