INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN VOICE
                               VOICE OF VOICELESS 

Dear brothers and sisters,

As all of us are fully aware, the Advent season is approaching fast. This season not only brings the Good News of God’s deep interest for humanity, but it also reminds us that God’s love through Jesus Christ also compels us to love one another and St. Paul has rightly said that our attitude should be the same as Christ’. So dear brothers and sisters, as Jesus had spread the Good news and happiness wherever He went, this is our responsibility to also spread happiness when meeting each other, which we all do especially during the Christmas season.

As you are aware, ICV has announced a Christmas banquet on 14th December at Chandani Banquet Hall. The most important of all contests and games are three contests. PLEASE get ready and send your entries as soon as possible. We are waiting for your entries and assure you that the best entries will win the fabulous gift of $100 prepaid Mastercard. So don’t waste time, send in your entries and make yourself ready for 14th December. Another attraction is the raffle which carries BIG prizes. Don’t forget to see the prizes on our website and purchase your tickets from any ICV member.
Stay blessed and excited during the Christmas season.
Tanveer Joseph,
V.Chair (Community Affairs)
International Christian Voice, Canada.
Dear Friends

International Christian Voice (ICV) is celebrating National Minorities Day
on Sunday 11th August, 2013.

On this day, minorities were given importance according to the vision and expressions by Quaid-e-Azam from his historical speech to the first Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on 11 August, 1947. This is not only a day where Christians were especially made part of the whole nation, but a clear and wider picture was given to the members of the legislative Assembly.

This day was especially designated for religious minorities due to the efforts of our leader, Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti, who dared to speak on behalf of the community and dared to bring forth the case of the religious minorities. Consequently, he was targeted by terrorists, who feared that he would bring the religious minorities at a higher level of acceptance in Pakistan.

The purpose of celebrating this day is to mark the efforts, contribution and sacrifice of Christians and other religious minorities in creation and development of Pakistan.

ICV cordially invites you to attend this event to celebrate the accomplishments of minorities and look forward to a prosperous Pakistan.

Program details:

Time: 11.30am to 1.30pm
lunch: 1.30pm to 2.30pm
Venue: Chandni Garden Banquet Hall
335-Deerhurst Drive,
Unit 9, Brampton ON, L6T 5K3 ,
905-789-8182

Media,
International Christian Voice Canada

 

International has a file to share with you on SkyDrive. To view it, click the link below.
Press_Release_Meet_and_Greet_Event.docx
Press_Release_Meet_and_Greet_Event.docx
August 17, 2011

Press release

On Minority Day Event, International Christian Voice, Files Petition to Repeal Blasphemy Law with Government of Pakistan

Saturday August 13, 2011. Today International Christian Voice (ICV) celebrated “Pakistan Minority Day Pakistan, August 11” at Chandni Garden Banquet Hall in Brampton Ontario. Deputy Counsel General of Pakistan, Toronto Consulate Mr. Imran Ali was the guest of honor. The event was attended by over one hundred Canadians of Pakistani Christian Heritage and faith. A number of Canadian elected officials, representatives of Pakistani political parties in Canada, and Church leaders, community leaders, and representatives of other religious minorities of Pakistan attended and addressed the audience.

The event began with scripture reading by Pastor Bashrat David and prayer by Pastor Samuel Ghori, followed by national anthems of Canada and Pakistan. Serena Samuel and Raheel Masih did an excellent job as the masters of ceremony.

Pervez Masih, President ICV welcomed the honorable guests, and the audience, and provided a brief introduction to ICV, and the significance of “Minority Day Pakistan, August 11.” Mr. Masih explained the role and efforts of Shahbaz Bhatti, Federal Minister for Minorities Pakistan in getting this day recognized by the government of Pakistan. He was followed by Dr. Rev. Rashid Gill, Mrs. Phoebe Samuel, and Group Captain Retired Rev. James Luke.

 

These speakers highlighted the valuable contribution of Christians in the creation of Pakistan, its judiciary and civil services, education and health, and defense.  Dr. Gill shared with the audience, the role and deciding Christian vote of Christian leaders at the time of decision by West Punjab to join Pakistan. He described in details of the significant role of Chief Justice A R Cornelius and his contributions to the justice system in Pakistan and the sport of Cricket.

 Mrs. Samuel a nurse educator, and specialist in Forensic Psychiatry, signified the role of Christians in educating and caring for the Pakistani nation. She expressed her dismay at the alarmingly low literacy rate of Christians in Pakistan. She blamed nationalization of Christian Institution in 1972 by the PPP government for depriving Pakistani Christians of educational opportunities.

Rev. Luke, himself a decorated, retired air force officer, shared the Christians and of the significant contributions in the defense forces of Pakistan, particularly in her air force with the audience. Mr Javed Iqbal and ICV General Secretary Obied Newton paid tribute to Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti and other Pakistani Christians for the services and sacrifices. Audiences enjoyed and appreciated their poetic renditions.

Mr. Asher Habib, a successful Pakistani Christian Businessman in Canada, gave the most emotional speech of the afternoon. Audiences were teary eyes, as he described the treatment of Pakistani Christians at the hands of the majority Muslim population. Mr. Bishan Sigh Chohan, a Pakistani Sikh, and member of Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti’s, All Pakistan Minority League, shared his experiences of persecution, and life as a Sikh minority in Pakistan

 Hon, Tim Uppal (Minister of State for Democratic Reforms, Kyle Seeback M.P Brampton West, Parm Gill M.P Brampton Springdale, Mr. Frank Domenichiello from the office Hon Julian Fantino State Minister Of Defense, all offered their support for freedom of religion and human rights in Pakistan for the religious minorities. Hon Uppal reiterated Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Canada’s Conservative Government’s plan to open an office of religious freedom. All these speakers congratulated Mr. Bhatti and ICV for hosting this event and offered their support in its mission. 

Peter Bhatti Chairman International Christian Voice (ICV) signified the sacrifices of our forefather in the creation of Pakistan.  He narrated Quide Azam’s vision for minorities at the time of creation of Pakistan, and explained in detail the poor treatment and persecution of Christian and other religious minorities in today’s Pakistan.

Mr. Bhatti narrated numerous incidents of violence against the lives and properties of Pakistani Christians. He specifically mentioned, Pakistan’s Blasphemy Law, its unconstitutionality, and misuse against Christians and other religious minorities of Pakistan. In his speech he paid tribute to Late Salman Taseer, Governor of Punjab and Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti, Federal Minister for Minorities Pakistan, who was assassinated for speaking against this law. Mr. Bhatti then appealed all Pakistani political parties to request their leaders to stand united against its misuse and repeal.

After Mr. Bhatti’s speech, ICV Finance Secretary Mr Sebastian Gill, introduced Guest of Honor, Deputy Consul General of Pakistan Mr Imran Ali, and invited him to the podium. Before the presentation of the petition, Ms Nitasha Bhatti read to the audience, the text of the petition, to repeal the blasphemy law, which was signed by more than 8000.00 Canadian citizens.

Mr. Bhatti presented this petition in presence of Hon, Tim Uppal (Minister of State for Democratic Reforms, Kyle Seeback M.P Brampton West, Parm Gill M.P Brampton Springdale, Mr. Paul Hong from office of Hon. John Bread Minister Of Foreign affairs, Mr. Frank Domenichiello from the office Hon Julian Fantino State Minister of State for Defense,  Ch Liquet Mailk and Danial Ibrham PPP, Imran Siddiqi MQM Canada, and  representatives of All Pakistan Muslim League.

From local Church leaders, Pastor Samuel Ghori All Nation Bible Church Brampton, Pastor David Alexander New Convent Church Canada, Pastor Caral Patrick South Asian Christian Alliance Mississauga, Bishop Edwin Raiz New Apostolic Church Canada, Pastor Javed Akther Lutheran Evangelical Church Hamilton, Pastor Wilson Nazim,  Rev Dr.Rashid Gill , Elder Kanwal Dean and Brother Younis Joseph, were present during the presentation of petition.

Mr.Imran Ail Deputy Consul General of Pakistan accepted the petition on behalf of the President of Pakistan. Mr. Ali regretted this law and its misuse in Pakistan against the religious minorities. He stressed on the education and development of minorities to overcome persecutions.

Towards the end of the event, Mr. Joe Daniel MP also dropped in to show his support to ICV in their mission to promote freedom of religion and human rights in Pakistan for Christians and other religious minorities. The event ended with a closing prayer by Bro. Richard. Attendees from Muslim faith left the event early due to Ramadan, whereas all others enjoyed fellowship and food into the evening.

For more information on this event or upcoming events, please contact;

Vincent Samuel 905-304-8144, Email: Vincent-samuel@hotmail.com

Dr. Rev. Rashid Gill 416-569-8154, Email: rashidgill@rogers.com                                                                         

 

 
 
 
 
 
Dear Friends,

To recognize various religious minorities, August 11 has been declared as "Minorities Day" in Pakistan, by the President of Pakistan Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani. This day is celebrated to recognize the sacrifices and valuable contributions of Christians and other religious minorities toward creation and development of Pakistan.

Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti, former Federal Minister of Minorities Affairs Pakistan, worked very hard and put a lot of effort towards getting this day August 11, declared as minorities’ day in Pakistan.

International Christian Voice is celebrating this event in Canada, for the first time after the Martyrdom of Shahbaz Bhatti. Please join International Christian Voice in this celebration, and pass this message on to as many supporters as you can.

 Event:               Minorities' Day Celebrations

 Date:                 Saturday, August 13, 2011

 Time:                11:30 AM

 Chief Guest:     Sahebzada A. Khan ,Consul General of Pakistan, Toronto Canada

 Location:          Chandni Garden Banquet Hall

                          335 Deerhurst Drive - Unit 9
                          Brampton ON L6T5K3

                          Phone: 905-789-8182

 Lunch will be provided followed by the event.

 Please confirm your attendance before coming to the event

 To confirm your attendance, and for more information please contact;

 Pervez Masih (647) 883-1514,                                   Sebestian Gill (416)871-8418

Qamar Andreas (416)669-2352                                   Shahbaz Sindhu (647)388-5349

Pastor Dr. Rashid Gill (416) 569-8154                         Tabassum Iqbal (416)825-9665

Obeid Newton (647)829-6252                                     Reuben&Eliza Charles (905)541-1461

Vincent Samuel (289)308-7894                                   Lazer bagh (416)319-1363

Augustin James (647)772-3373                                   Deliwar Palhwan (647)986-2657  

Look forward to seeing you there.

Peter Bhatti

Chairman,

International Christian Voice 

 (416)727-1260
Minority Day August 11, 2010

International Christian Voice Canada celebrates Minority Day,     

On Wednesday 11th August 2010, members of International Christian Voice and other Pakistani community leaders gathered to celebrate Minority day. The purpose of celebration was to highlight the effort of our minority leaders and heroes who played an important role in the creation and development of our loving country Pakistan, the suffering and problems which religious minorities facing in Pakistan today was also highlighted.

The master of ceremony and secretary general of International Christian Voice Mr Obeid Newton welcomed all and briefly explained the importance of Minority Day. iconimageiconimage iconimage
Senior Pastor of Evangelical Asian Church Toronto, Rev Serwer Din and Augustine James executive member of the I.C.V. prayed for the program and the peace, prosperity and devolvement of Pakistan.
 A famous Gospel singer Mr. Bent Shahzad led the gathering in the singing of the beautiful Pakistani national Anthem, followed by ICV youth and our community classical singer Amber Obeid, who honoured Pakistan by singing national songs.

 Mr.Tabassum Iqbal the media secretary of I.C.V stressed the importance of inter-faith and harmony which would lead eventually to the unity for a betterment of Pakistan.

 Words of wisdom were expressed by Mr.Basin Singh Chohan, the guest speaker, who represented the Pakistani Sikh community

Mr. Zaka Ulla Niazi, Information Secretary of PPP Canada, stated that their party always worked hard to uphold important values of equality to every citizen of Pakistan.

Mr. Liquat Malik the Vice president of the PPP Canada said that Mottrama Benazir Bhutto Shaheed set an example of equality of all citizens from bringing Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti in the central executive committee of PPP  to solve the issues which religious of minorities facing in Pakistan.
 
Mr.Pervez Salik expressed the mood of the gathering when he offered prayers to Almighty God to help the flood victims and their family for a quick recovery from the difficult situation.

 Finally Peter Bhatti, the chairman of the I.C.V stressed the importance of Minority Day, which is a day to reflect and thank God for all our blessing and a day to remember all our heroes who played vital role in creation and development of Pakistan 
 Historically, in June 1947 when the question of the division of the United Punjab came up, the Hindu and Sikh members of the Punjab assembly opposed the division tooth and nail and out of 180 MLAs 179 were present under the chairmanship of Mr.S.P.Singha who was the last Christian speaker of the United Punjab assembly. 86 Muslim members cast their vote in favour of Pakistan and 89 Hindu and Sikh members voted against Pakistan. Then 3 Christian members with the Muslim pool created a tie of 89 in favour and 89 against. At this critical juncture Mr .S.P.Singha the Christian speaker rose up and gave his casting vote in favour of Pakistan. Thus it was the Christian members of united Punjab Assembly who by their vote made the political division of the major portion of the capital Punjab province as part of Pakistan.

Mr. Bhatti said our founding father Quaid e Azem Muhammad Ail Jinnah  had a wider vision of the state of Pakistan when he stated in the first constitute assembly August11,1947 You are free, you are free to go to your Mosques, and you are free to go to your Temples and other places of worship. You may belong to any religion caste and creed that has nothing to do with the business of state. We all are citizens and equal citizens of one state”. 

Mr.Bhatti said Martial law regime Gen Zia-Ul Haq introduced many discriminatory laws against religious minorities of Pakistan mainly the Blasphemy law, Hudood ordinance, and law of evidence and  these laws should be repealed as soon as possible for the betterment of every citizen of Pakistan.

He also honoured the role of Christians and their contribution of well known institutions of health, Holy family hospital Karachi and Rawalpindi, U.C.H Lahore and lot others,

 In the field of education St. Patrick's school Karachi, Foreman Christian College Lahore and St. Anthony's High School Lahore and lots others.

 In the defence Group Captain Cecil Chaudhury and in the field of law Chief Justices of Supreme Court A.R Cornelius, High court judge, Herman Raymond.

 All these are examples of the tremendous contributions Christians have made in the development of Pakistan over the years.  Mr. Peter Bhatti concluded his speech to congratulate every one Independence Day on the 14th of August2010,

He also request of prayer for those have sacrificed their life due to the Discriminatory laws as well as the flood victims. and thanked  all  paticpant who spared their precioues time to celebrate minorty day.