Today marks the 1st anniversary of the killing of Pakistan’s Catholic Minister for
Minorities Shahbaz Bhattiwho was gunned down as he travelled in a car in Islamabad.
He was known as a vocal opponent of Pakistan's blasphemy law and continued to work
for the rights of minorities despite threats made against him. His brother, Dr. Paul
Bhatti is Advisor to Prime Minister on National Harmony. He told Vatican Radio his
brother’s legacy continues to be an inspiration for Christians and and for all persons
of good will. "We are proud of so much he has done for the minorities, for the poor
and marginalized people," said Bhatti, adding that his brother's Christian faith was
internal to his commitment to justice in society. "This," he said, "is the example
that most of the people, especially young people in Pakistan would like to follow."
The investigation into Shahbaz Bhatti’s murder has made little progress, with
initial efforts focused on the Christian community and financial disputes with Bhatti’s
family. The Pakistani Taliban eventually claimed responsibility for his murder. It
was only in December of last year that the government issued an arrest warrant: for
Pakistanis residing in the Persian Gulf. No one currently is in custody. All of those
arrested for suspected involvement have been released. Listen