A lengthy tribute to Pak martyr Bhatti

* Christians appeal to pope to make Shahbaz Bhatti, a "martyr" of the Church
* Muslims & Christians remember minority 'leader' Bhatti
* Archbishop Saldanha: Bhatti - "martyr" for minorities
* Paul Bhatti: minority social reawakening because of Bhatti
* Shahbaz Bhatti - failure and rebirth
* Police in Rawalpindi clears accused, Abid Malik
* Bhatti Assassination: new falsehoods from the police
* Smoke screen and false news to hide assassins

* Christians appeal to pope to make Shahbaz Bhatti, a "martyr" of the Church
* Muslims & Christians remember minority 'leader' Bhatti
* Archbishop Saldanha: Bhatti - "martyr" for minorities
* Paul Bhatti: minority social reawakening because of Bhatti
* Shahbaz Bhatti - failure and rebirth
* Police in Rawalpindi clears accused, Abid Malik
* Bhatti Assassination: new falsehoods from the police
* Smoke screen and false news to hide assassins

Christians appeal to pope to make Shahbaz Bhatti, a "martyr" of the Church

Pakistan, March 03, 2012: Masses are celebrated and prayer vigils held in various cities on the first anniversary of his death. In the capital, a torchlight procession reaches the scene of his murder by Muslim extremists. Paul Bhatti receives the APMA flag as an encouragement to continue Shahbaz's mission. Thanks to latter's work, four seats have been reserved for minorities in the upcoming senate elections.

Pakistani Christians, but also Muslims, Hindus and other minorities are appealing to Pope Benedict XVI to make "Shahbaz Bhatti, a martyr of the Church". They did so at ceremonies marking the first anniversary of the Catholic minister assassinated on 2 March 2011. Masses and prayer vigils were held in Faisalabad, his birthplace of Khushpur (Punjab), Lahore, Multan, Karachi and other locations.

In the capital, Islamabad, where Bhatti was killed by extremists, a final ceremony was held with a torchlight procession (pictured) passing by his home, scene of the deadly ambush.

During the ceremony, a group of activists handed Paul Bhatti, Shahbaz's brother and national harmony adviser to Prime Minister Gilani, a flag of the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA), an organisation founded by the slain minister, to encourage him to continue the fight for equality of rights for all citizens.

Shahbaz Bhatti was killed in the morning of 2 March 2011 on his way to work, his body riddled with some 30 bullets.

For months, the authorities tried to cover up the affair, blaming the murder on a family dispute and later, on financial matters.

So far, it is unclear who carried out the attacks, but the murder was immediately claimed by an extremist Pakistani faction. Police acknowledge that they are still in the dark.

Still, many in Pakistan want to keep Shahbaz Bhatti's memory alive, by promoting his political-cultural testament in favour of a secular and multicultural Pakistan as the Father of the Nation, Ali Jinnah, had envisaged it.

Mons. Joseph Coutts, archbishop of Karachi and a personal friend of Shahbaz Bhatti, celebrated the memorial Mass. In his homily, the prelate said, "Shahbaz Bhatti is alive in our memories for his mission and sacrifice in the name of Christianity. He was the ambassador of peace, love, and quality and brotherhood, and we will continue our struggle in his footsteps."

Fr Anjum Nazir praised Shahbaz's unwavering faith. Indeed, "He always had a Rosary with him that showed his bonding with the faith."

Interpreting the wishes of Pakistan's Christian community, Fr Pervez Emmanuel appealed "to the pope to declare Shahbaz Bhatti a Martyr of the Church".

The Minority Affairs minister was killed for his fight against the country's blasphemy legislation and for defending Asia Bibi, the 45-year-old mother of five sentenced to death on charges stemming from the 'black law'.

Fr Pervaiz, parish priest in predominantly Catholic Khushpur, spoke about the upcoming Senate elections, where for the first time and thanks to the late minister's efforts, four seats will be assigned to minority representatives. "This is the result of Shahbaz's work," he said.

"Shahbaz Bhatti lived his life as a true follower of Jesus Christ," said P. Anwar Patras. "He knew he would be assassinated but stood firm for the voiceless and the marginalised communities."

- jibran khan - shafique khokhar

 

Muslims & Christians remember minority 'leader' Bhatti 

Pakistan, March 01, 2012: For religious and civil society leaders, the late Catholic minister is an example to follow in interfaith dialogue. For the bishop of Islamabad, he was "a brave and faithful man". A human rights activist says that his death leaves a leadership vacuum. His "sacrifice will not be in vain," Muslim scholar states.

Catholic public figures, Christian leaders, Muslim scholars and human rights activists are remembering Shahbaz Bhatti a year after his death. A group of armed extremists gunned down the Minority Affairs minister, a Catholic, on the morning of 2 March 2011, leaving his body riddled with bullets. Since then, investigators have tried several times to cover up the affair, blaming it on family squabbles or financial disputes. However, his memory lives on in civil society as others promote his work, ideals and political-cultural testament in favour a secular and multicultural Pakistan. "I am ready to die for a cause," he said in a video that was posted on the Internet. "I am living for my community  and I will die to defend their rights," choosing death "for my principles". These words encapsulate the sense of the work he passed on, a spiritual testament to inspire others who today remember him with admiration and affection as an example to follow.

Many moderate Muslim leaders and imams value Shahbaz's work and share his legacy. Maulana Mehfooz Khan, imam in Lahore and a member of the Islamic Ideology Council, is one of them. Over the years, he developed a close relationship with the slain minister based on friendship and respect. For him, Shahbaz Bhatti was "an ambassador of interfaith harmony. His services for the minorities of Pakistan are highly appreciated. He stood firm for what he believed in" and "his sacrifice will not go in vain, he will be remembered as a voice for the voiceless."

Another Muslim activist, Iftikhar Ahmad, agrees. The district coordinator of SPARK (Child Right Committee) in Faisalabad said, "I worked a lot with Shahbaz Bhatti against the blasphemy laws, Hudood Ordinance and the Shariah Bill." The minister's assassination was clearly connected with "extremism and I am pained that our independent courts have released the culprit of his murder".

"Unfortunately, our state is not taking adequate steps against the extremism that caused the brutal assassination and extra-judicial killing of Shahbaz Bhatti and Salman Taseer. I salute Shahbaz Bhatti's tireless and courageous efforts. He was not only a leader of minorities but a true human rights defender too".

Among Pakistan's Catholic public figures, Shahbaz was particular close to Mgr Rufin Anthony, bishop of Islamabad, who could count him as a close friend. His death represents the "tragic loss of a brave and faithful man." In his view, the memory of the "noble witness" has not faded a year after his murder.

"I knew him since the 1980s as he went to a school in Khushpur, his village in Faisalabad District," the prelate said. "He was always ready to work for the nation".

Together, "we founded Christian Liberation Front," but "He had a passion for minorities and fought for their rights. I met him a couple of weeks before his assassination. He surely saw it coming;" yet, he "was steadfast-such an inspiration to all who profess the Christian faith. . . ."

Khalid Gill a senior APMA (All Pakistan Minority Alliance) member also remembers him. "Shahbaz Bhatti was a brave leader; it was an honour working under his leadership."

"Shahbaz Bhatti's assassination was a great blow to Pakistan; the more shocking because of the lukewarm attitude of the great majority, including intellectuals, liberals and members of civil society" who did not come out to protest against his death.

For Punjab Provincial Assembly Member and APMA member Pervaiz Rafique, the Catholic minister's vision of a Pakistan was that of a country "where religious minorities would be able to exercise equal rights." He worked tirelessly for a just and tolerant society.

Michelle Chaudhry, a social activist from Lahore, had known Bhatti "for 28 years" because her father had been "his mentor". His death has left a leadership vacuum and Christians are in "serious need of unity" to protect their rights. "He was selfless, always concerned for others." His family "is still waiting for justice" from the government.

For Peter Jacob, executive Director of National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP), the Catholic minister's legacy must be promoted. He held a "brave posture against threats". His life recalls the "martyrdom inherent in the Christian witness" like that of "his mentor, Bishop John Joseph, 12 years ago".

Fr Aftab James Paul, director of the Diocesan Commission for Interfaith Dialogue in Faisalabad, recalls Shahbaz, the martyr," as a "symbol of the struggle for the rights of the downtrodden," a man following in the footsteps of "Jesus who sacrificed his life".

Finally, activist and poet Syed Najeeb Ali Shah, pays tribute on behalf of his fellow "poets, writers and educators" for his "struggle in favour of democracy and secularism on the first anniversary of his death."

- jibran khan - shafique khokhar

Archbishop Saldanha: Bhatti - "martyr" for minorities

Pakistan, February 29, 2012: Archbishop Emeritus of Lahore gives a personal reflection on the Catholic minister for minorities. The prelate emphasizes his "natural charisma" and his being different from the "corrupt politicians". His commitment was based "on the example of Christ" and he dedicated his life "to the redemption of the oppressed communities."
 
Archbishop Emeritus of Lahore, Mgr. Saldanha, wants to share with the readers of AsiaNews, his personal memories of a Catholic minister Shahbaz Bhatti a year after his death. The prelate emphasizes his "natural charisma" as a good leader, who fought for all minorities. Different from the "corrupt politicians" dedicated to the system of bribes, he lived his life and his work based "on the example of Christ."
On the first anniversary of his brutal killing ,the Christian community in Pakistan pays homage and recalls with pride and sorrow the passing away of its brightest star, Clement Shahbaz Bhatti. I knew him personally for many years . I was impressed by two characteristics: his commitment to the downtrodden and his  leadership abilities.

At an early age, in his early twenties, Shahbaz made the decision to dedicate his life for the uplift of his oppressed community. He wanted to free them from their slavery. This conviction and passion animated his whole life. That is why he never married because he wanted to be free to pursue his goals.

He also had the natural charisma of a good leader. He founded a pressure group  called Christian Liberation Front, which held public meetings to fight for political rights of the marginalised Christian community.Later, he widened his scope of activism to include all minority groups. He established the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA) which was an umbrella organization that represented poor Hindus, Sikhs and Christians.

Here again he showed his leadership qualities. His bold efforts in highlighting the problems faced by the minorities, caught the attention of the leader of the People 's Party, Miss Benazir Bhutto recognized his sincerity and  dedication. He himself did not want to stand for political office but actively lobbied for his own followers to get elected as Provincial Members of Parliament.He chose to stay in the background and work behind the scenes.

When Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in 2007, the People'sParty won the elections and they inducted  Shehbaz as the Federal Minister of Minorities in 2008, the first Catholic to hold this exalted position. He succeeded in getting an official day sanctioned for the minorities  called  Minorities Day  which is celebrated every year  on August 11 as a day of recognition of the role of minorities.

But he soon discovered that he had to toe the party line and defend the government policies. He was also used for propaganda and publicity purposes and sent on official visits to foreign countries, including the Vatican where he was well received by the present Pontiff, Pope Benedict XVI. Deep in his heart he felt frustrated, and began to speak about His impending death because of his opposition to the Blasphemy Law. 

His Legacy 

Shahbaz Bhatti left a deep impression of an honest and deeply committed publi c servant. He was quite different from the rest of the self serving and corrupt politicians. He was a staunch, practising Catholic and inspired by the life of Jesus Christ. Like Christ , he stood up for truth justice and freedom for the common man.

He was honest in awarding construction contracts, unlike the usual politician who generally takes his commission. This witness of imitation of Christ finally lead him to shed his blood for his people.He is considered a "martyr" by the Christian  people. They mourn the loss of a committed champion of their rights. His close followers are determined to carry on his mission. His brother, Dr Paul Bhatti, is now chairman of APMA and tries to continue the work. But he does not have the same charism.

There are plans to build a monument in his native village, Khushpur. It will be a permanent memorial to a brave and selfless leader, who rose to the highest office possible for a Christian. Meanwhile, in the past year, the political and economic situation in  Pakistan has become more unstable and critical. It's very survival is in question. 

So the lofty ideals of Shahbaz Bhatti are pushed very much in the background, and do not seem urgent or relevant any more in the present context. I salute the passing of a great and irreplaceable leader, Shahbaz Bhatti.   And I pray that God may bless and prosper his noble mission  for freedom,equality and human rights for all.   May he rest in peace! 

- lawrence j. saldanha 

Paul Bhatti: minority social reawakening because of Bhatti

Pakistan, February 28, 2012: A year since the murder of Pakistan's Minority Affairs minister, his brother Paul talks about his legacy and work on behalf of Pakistani Christians. A new university and vocational school will open bearing his name. Masses and prayer vigils will be held on 2 March across Pakistan. 

Persecuted religious minorities and communities saw in Shahbaz Bhatti a "leader willing to protect them", a "courageous and determined" politician who found in the "Christian faith" the strength to meet challenges. This is how Paul Bhatti remembers his brother, Minority Affairs minister, a Catholic, who was killed on 2 March 2011 by extremists.

A year after his death, AsiaNews has interviewed his brother who is perpetuating Shabbaz's political and spiritual legacy. As special adviser to Prime Minister Gilani on minority affairs, "I am trying to fill a void," Paul said. Initially, he took on the task with "concern" followed by awareness and determination.

Pakistan's various communities-Christians, Muslims, Hindus, etc-are getting ready to honour Shabbaz's memory with Masses, a torchlight procession and prayer vigils on 2 March and with an important political and interfaith conference on 6 March, in the capital.

Here is the interview Paul Bhatti (pictured with Benedict XVI and the imam of Lahore) gave AsiaNews: 

Paul Bhatti, what is Shabbaz's legacy?
My brother left a big void that I am trying to fill. People feel the lack of a leader, someone who can protect them. Minorities that they could on his protection. They knew that he would act in case of discrimination and injustice at the national and international level. He was a great presence and support. With his death, the community felt abandoned, rudderless. We have tried to pick up from where he left off to continue his mission. Personally, I am happy to do it. At the beginning, I did not think I could and I was very concerned. Now, concerns are slowly fading away and I am increasingly aware of the importance of this vocation.

A year later, is his memory still alive?
Yes. I feel it at all levels, political, social and institutional. He had a special personality. He was popular, not only among Christians but also among Muslims and Hindus. Wherever I go, people remember him fondly and sorely miss him. They talk about him as someone worthy of "honour and respect". For this reason, we have organised a series of events to honour his memory the best we can. On 2 March, Christian communities across Pakistan will celebrate Masses and prayers in the country's churches. In addition, on the morning of the anniversary, there will be a Mass, followed by a prayer on his tomb in his birthplace of Khushpur (Punjab). In the evening, there will be a torchlight procession and a prayer in Islamabad where he was killed. On 6 March, also in the capital, we have a conference with the participation of President Zardari, Prime Minister Gilani, cabinet ministers, foreign diplomats and important Christian, Muslim and Hindu religious dignitaries, as well as representatives of other religious minorities. I can confirm that the Muslim community will participate actively in celebrating Shabbaz.

There is still a lot of confusion in the investigation.
We believe that this act was the work of extremists and terrorist organisations. For years, Shahbaz had been threatened by organisations that have complex structures and professional killers hired to murder, who can terrorise judges so that they will not convict them. Benazir Bhutto's assassination is also unsolved and the real culprits are still at large. The issue is very complex, but we continue to work for peace in Pakistan and the protection of the oppressed.

What memories do you have of your brother?
I will always remember his serenity and tolerance even after many disappointments and acts of discrimination, his courage and determination, his tireless desire to work and his incredible energy. More specifically, I remember that the Christian faith was a source of strength and help in his mission. He had the capacity of convincing even the more stubborn person. For this reason, we set up a foundation that bears his name and carry on his ideals.

What objectives motivate the Shababz Bhatti Foundation?
We want to fight poverty, promote education and contribute to interfaith dialogue. For these initiatives, we have the support of certain organisations and associations. A vocational school bearing his name is in the works, so is a great university that will guarantee minority students access to education. It will be an opportunity for development and high-level education.

Why is education important?
The country can advance only through education. This is one of our ideals and goals. We are trying to launch Bangladesh-style micro-credits to help Christians and other communities start up small businesses and promote self-employment. For this reason, we call upon the international community to support our initiatives and contribute to education and development, economic growth and interfaith dialogue. We want to promote for man's dignity, and are asking for help from Christians around the world.

Finally, a thought about Asia Bibi. Shabbaz died a "martyr" for defending her . . .
We are waiting for the appeal ruling. The sooner it comes, the better. In the past, we have not been able to defend her, as we would have liked because of the anti-Bibi campaign promoted by extremists who are responsible for my brother's fate. For this reason, we have tried to defuse tensions working behind the scene in order to arrive at a sentence at the best moment. Our hope is that she will be released and expect all the protection the case deserves. Without too much fanfare or show, we want to work in silence. 

- dario salvi 

Shahbaz Bhatti - failure and rebirth

Pakistan, February 28, 2012: A year after the assassination of Pakistan's minister for minorities, AsiaNews presents the testimonies of those who knew him and continue his fight for a secular Pakistan respectful of all religions and ethnicities. The fruitfulness of his martyrdom is evident in his country but also worldwide. His "will" has become a source of inspiration for millions of people. Even in overcoming ambivalence of Christian world.

March 2 next marks one year since the assassination of Shahbaz Bhatti, Pakistan's minister for minorities, riddled with 30 bullets by Tahrik-e-Taliban Pakistan extremists. Bhatti, a Catholic of 43, fought against the blasphemy law, its misuse and manipulation by some to eliminate minority groups, political opponents, economic competitors.

A few months before his tragic death he had travelled to see Asia Bibi, a Christian sentenced to death by the timid judges of Lahore court pending appeal. Over Asia Bibi's head  hangs a bounty offered by radical imams, who want her death at all costs. Instead, death swept Shahbaz, who since his youth, was committed to a secular and democratic Pakistan, open to all faiths and ethnicities.

AsiaNews wants to honour his memory in the coming days by publishing the testimonies of some of those who knew him best, Christians and Muslims.

All who want to remember him call him a "martyr": first among them the Christians, bishops, priests with whom he collaborated. Even Muslim leaders, politicians, activists, journalists see in him a "martyr" for the future good of Pakistan.

From one point of view - like every "martyr" - the parable of Shahbaz seems one of failure. A year after his murder, the police have yet to arrest the culprits and for many months tried to divert investigations attributing this or that responsibility for his murder, even suggesting that the authors were Christian, interested Bhatti family properties.

Even the demands of international community, and what's more, Benedict XVI's prayer for him, have been scorned, while the country slips into insecurity and violence.

Yet, even the failures of a martyr are fertile. Over the course of this year - and we have documented this in the pages of AsiaNews - the Christian communities in Pakistan have become bolder and more vocal, demonstrating for Shahbaz Bhatti at his funeral, demanding justice, opposition to oppression, dispossession, denouncing the many episodes of blasphemy against Christians and other minorities.

The fecundity of the testimony of Shahbaz Pakistan goes beyond: it has become an inspiration for millions of people worldwide. Especially, what is termed his "last will" has become a touchstone for the efforts of many.

"I desire to serve Jesus as a simple man ... I do not want popularity, I do not want positions of power. I just want a place at the feet of Jesus I want my life, my character, my actions to speak for me and say that I am a follower of Jesus Christ. This desire is so strong in me that I would consider myself privileged if - in my effort and my battle to help the needy, the poor, the persecuted Christians of Pakistan - Jesus accepts the sacrifice of my life. I live for Christ and in Him I want to die". 

We publish this once again, so that he, from heaven, may help our battle on earth and so that in this Lenten period, we may be cleansed of our ambivalence. 

- bernardo cervellera 

Police in Rawalpindi clears accused, Abid Malik

Pakistan, February 21, 2012: After issuing an international warrant that led to his arrest in the United Arab Emirates, police decides there is a "lack of evidence" against the Malik, who should be released shortly. The other suspect, Zia ur-Rehman, is still at large. For Islamabad bishop, the police is using "delaying tactics". For him, "justice delayed is justice denied."

Abid Malik, one of the two suspects in the murder of Shahbaz Bhatti, was cleared of the charges laid against him and is expected to be released shortly. In today's hearing before the Anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi, police said they had no evidence of his guilt. He had been arrested on request of Pakistani authorities a few days ago in the United Arab Emirates with the help of Interpol and then repatriated to stand trial. The other suspect, Zia-ur-Rehman, is still at large. For Catholic leaders, it is increasingly clear that investigators are trying to delay things and do not intend to punish the authors of the crime.

The assassination of Shahbaz Bhatti, Pakistan's Minority Affairs minister and a Catholic, is still shrouded in mystery. He was shot 30 times on 2 March 2011 in Islamabad. Muslim fundamentalist groups are suspected because they had threatened his life in the past for his fight against the country's blasphemy legislation.

Since the murder, several attempts have been made to mislead the investigation, with suggestions that Bhatti was killed in a personal vendetta or a family feud, not in connection with his political activity, something that Catholic leaders have always denounced (see Jibran Khan, "Assassination of Shahbaz Bhatti: new falsehoods from the police," in AsiaNews, 17 July 2011, and "Smoke screen and false news to hide Shahbaz Bhatti's assassins," in AsiaNews, 9 August 2011).

In today's court hearing, police said that, following Malik's interrogation, no evidence emerged about his responsibility. He was not involved in the murder, a charge he always denied, and should be released shortly. Others previously held in connection with the case were equally freed.

The two suspects, Zia-ur-Rehman and Abid Malik, are thought to be former Faisalabad Christian converts to Islam who had a monetary dispute with the Bhatti family.

Hafiz Nazar, a former Protestant clergyman, had accused them. He was detained after his phone was wiretapped and he was heard talking about their "involvement". However, during his interrogation, Nazar turned out to be "mentally unstable" and not a reliable witness.

Interviewed by AsiaNews, Mgr Rufin Anthony, bishop of Islamabad and a personal friend to Shahbaz, said, "This is another delaying tactic". In the end, "Justice delayed is justice denied".

For the prelate, the police are to blame. They are just toying with people, spreading rumours and arresting people in order to show that they are not involved.

"We demand the arrest of the real culprits," the bishop said. Instead, the "Police is letting Malik off the hook."

 - jibran khan 

Bhatti Assassination: new falsehoods from the police

Pakistan, September 17, 2011: The two suspects would be former Christians converted to Islam, in conflict with the Bhatti family over some property. The Bishop of Islamabad: "The statement by the police is absurd." Christian and Muslim personalities decry a cover-up and demand a new inquiry commission.

Pakistani police are spreading new falsehoods and new doubts about the assassination of Shahbaz Bhatti, the Catholic Minister for Minorities, killed last March 2 by a group of Muslim extremists. Bhatti had long led a fight against the death sentence of Asia Bibi for blasphemy and in defense of religious minorities in his country. 

According to the police in Islamabad, the two suspects in the killing, Zia-ur-Rehman and Malik Abid, would be two ex-Christians from Faisalabad, converted to Islam, who allegedly have a property dispute with the Bhatti family. The police have also stated that there is no evidence against them.

This is the second time that police have attempted what is being called a "cover-up". In August, some Pakistani media reported police statements according to which Shahbaz Bhatti would have been killed over "family disputes" related to some property (see 09/08/2011 Smoke screen and false news to hide Shahbaz Bhatti's assassins).

Later, the Court of Counterterrorism issued an international arrest warrant against Zia-ur-Rehman and Malik Abid, who after the assassination would have fled to Dubai (09/02/2011 Islamabad, Bhatti murder: focusing again on Islamic extemism).

In recent days, the two have been transferred to Pakistan, thanks to Interpol. The Senior Superintendent of Police Operations and the head of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT), however, said that "the suspects are being detained for investigating, they both were allegedly nominated by the Bhatti family, yet it would be too early to comment on their involvement in Bhatti's assassination as there is no evidence available about their involvement. They are being detained on the basis of doubt, things will get clear once they are interrogated."

The statements of the police provoked strong reactions and criticism in the Church of Pakistan. Mons. Rufin Anthony, Bishop of Islamabad and a personal friend of Shahbaz Bhatti told AsiaNews that "the statement by the police is totally absurd."

"If they are not sure about the involvement of the suspects", he added, "then what are they suspecting them for? Why did the court issue the warrants if the JIT didn't have any evidence about their involvement?"

For the bishop, there is a suspicion that "the police are defending the culprits, or diverting the direction of the case, arresting some so-called suspects and then gets them released, on the basis of the non-availability of solid evidence for their involvement”. "It is clear", he continued, "that if there is no evidence against the two suspects, they will be released by the court."

To Mons. Anthony, it is urgent to set up a serious inquiry committee. "It is about time that the concerned authorities start taking things seriously: as Shahbaz Bhatti's assassination is not only the assassination of a Federal Minister, it is the assassination of the voice of the voiceless. They have silenced a man, but can never silence his vision, his thoughts and his struggle for the marginalized".

The prelate's opinion is also shared by Muslim personalities. An academic Muslim cleric, Maulana Mahfooz Khan, also comments on the police statements: "They are just to divert the direction of the case. How can a vehicle  disappear from the Federal Capital, where there are security checkpoints on all the entry and exits? Every citizen is stopped and questioned at every security checkpoint, how can a vehicle filled with armed men escape un-noticed by the authorities?"
Mahfooz Khan agrees that a new judicial commission is urgent. "The Government", he adds, "seems reluctant in taking interest in the assassination of their own Federal Minister, who was slain in broad daylight in Islamabad." 

"Shahbaz Bhatti", he concludes, "fought for the rights of minorities; his struggle for the interfaith harmony is remarkable." 

- jibran khan 

Smoke screen and false news to hide assassins

Pakistan, August 09, 2011: For a Catholic lawyer and politician, the media are misleading the public. Closely monitoring the investigation into the murder of the Minority Affairs minister, he rejects the family dispute claim, insisting instead on the initial focus, namely “death squads” close to Islamic extremism. On Thursday, Minorities Day, Masses and prayers will be held for Bhatti in Pakistan and around the world.

Shahbaz Bhatti’s murder was not caused by a “property dispute between relatives” as some Pakistani newspapers have reported today, but is the work of “death squads” linked to Islamic fundamentalism, Tahir Naveed Chaudry told AsiaNews. Mr Naveed is a Catholic lawyer and member of the Punjab provincial legislature. He is also monitoring the investigation into the assassination of the Religious Affairs Minister on behalf of the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA). Meanwhile, Pakistani Christians are getting ready to remember Shahbaz Bhatti with Masses and prayers next Thursday (11 August), Minorities Day, which Shahbaz had instituted.

Today, citing police sources, newspapers in Pakistan said that police investigators now excluded a religion as a motive for Bhatti’s murder. Instead, they claim that he was killed as a result of a “chronic rivalry” among relatives. The so-called new “evidence” suggests that a family from Bhatti’s native town fled to the United Arab Emirates or Malaysia. Yet, no name has been produced, nor has any information been provided about the alleged authors of the murder. Therefore, there is strong suspicion that such rumours are a pretext to divert attention away from the real culprits.

Contacted by AsiaNews, Tahir Naveed said that newspapers are trying to mislead the public by dismissing “Shabhaz’s martyrdom” as the result of a domestic quarrel. This way, one part of the country can simply forget about the minister, his battles against the blasphemy law and his defence of Asia Bibi and all those who were victims of violence and abuses because of their faith. “Let us hope that the truth will come out,” Naveed said, “and that the country will not forget that he gave his life for all minorities.”

For the Punjabi legislator, “some people are interested in changing the course of the investigation” and alter the truth of the matter. However, one thing cannot be changed, namely that a “death squad” close to Islamic extremism carried out the murder. “Shahbaz had no personal enemies,” the Catholic lawyer said. “We cannot accept claims to that effect, which come on top of allegations of corruption and personal vendettas. Someone has an interest in diverting attention away from Bhatti’s martyrdom, whereas we defend his work in favour of unity and against those who want to sow divisions.”

“Masses and special prayers” will be held next Thursday, 11 August, to mark Minorities Day in Pakistan, and honour the memory of the Catholic minister who gave his life “to defend religious freedom, equal rights, and a secular vision of Pakistan as laid out by the nation’s founder, Ali Jinnah, in 1947.”

A number of events and celebrations are planned in other countries as well, including Italy. Prayers will be held in Rome’s Basilica of St. Bartholomew on the Island (New Martyrs), which contains Shahbaz’s own copy of the Bible. On Thursday, Tahir Naveed Chaudry will be part of a delegation that will meet Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, who wanted a formal ceremony to honour Bhatti.

Mgr Rufin Anthony, bishop of Islamabad, also strongly rejected media claims about Bhatti’s murder. “It is totally absurd,” he told AsiaNews. “The police keeps changing version day to day.”

For the prelate, the authorities “must take the case seriously” and consider the initial claims made by Punjabi Taliban in relation to the assassination. 

For Mgr Rufin, with their stories about vendettas, media reports are “adding insult to injury”; they are an affront to the intelligence of Christians. (DS)

- jibran khan

courtsey: asianews