Assassinated for his brave stand for religious freedom
Shahbaz was shot by a group of unknown gunmen as he left for work this morning. He is believed to have been assassinated because of his long-term stand against Pakistan's controversial blasphemy laws which are often misused to target religious minorities. Shahbaz had received numerous death threats over recent months, so it is unclear why police and security forces were unable to protect him.
Working together for religious freedom
CSW has worked closely with Shahbaz for over twelve years and is grieved by this morning's news. CSW supported Shahbaz's calls for the reform and repeal of Pakistan's controversial blasphemy laws, which are often misused to settle personal scores and to target religious minorities. We hosted Shahbaz on a number of visits to Europe, both before and during his political career, facilitating meetings for him with policy-makers in the UK Government and at the EU. In 2010, we supported Shahbaz's work by coordinating a letter, signed by a number of prominent British Parliamentarians, urging the President to reform the blasphemy laws.
Shahbaz was held in great esteem by the many international politicians he met, one of whom told CSW that they were "deeply shocked and saddened" by this tragic news. William Hague tweeted his views, saying that Shahbaz "stood for tolerance & religious freedom. A brave man killed in a cowardly & sickening manner." Baroness Ashton, the EU's foreign minister, issued a statement, offering her condolences to his family, saying, "I strongly condemn the murder of a member of the Government who was well known for his defence of the principles of equality and human rights which are enshrined in the constitution of Pakistan."
"I am ready to die for this cause"
CSW supporters heard Shahbaz speak passionately at the CSW Conference in October 2009 about his lifelong campaign for freedom and justice for Pakistan's religious minorities. Sharing his passion, he said, "This position [as Minister] cannot change my determination to pursue justice, because I live for religious freedom and I am ready to die for this cause."
CSW is deeply grieved
Speaking soon after hearing the news, CSW's National Director, Stuart Windsor, said, "We are appalled and deeply grieved by this news. Shahbaz Bhatti was known personally to me for twelve years, and we worked closely with him on the causes which he passionately espoused. He was a true patriot who loved his country and wanted to see the realisation of Jinnah's vision of a harmonious, pluralist society. He never achieved what he dedicated his life to – the eventual repeal of Pakistan's blasphemy laws. But he tried, bravely and with indefatigable spirit, and his life was a blessing to many."
CSW urges prayer for Pakistan's religious minorities
In the wake of this tragic shooting, CSW urges the church in the UK to unite in prayer for Shahbaz's family, friends and supporters.
I want to...
Pray
- For Shahbaz's family, particularly his mother, brothers and sisters. Pray that God would comfort and strengthen them in their grief.
- For all those speaking up for religious freedom, justice and the rule of law in Pakistan, that their voice of freedom and truth would not be drowned out by violence.
- That Shahbaz's death would not be in vain and that others would take up the causes of religious freedom and inter-faith harmony.
- For the Pakistani Church, that it would unite and stand strong in the face of ongoing discrimination and threats.
- For religious freedom to become a reality in Pakistan and for a peaceful, harmonious and just society that prospers all of its people.
Protest
Email your MP asking them to sign EDM 1518 to condemn the assassination and urge the Pakistani Government to reconsider reviewing the blasphemy laws as a matter of urgency.
Download CSW's lobbying guide.
Provide
Make a donation to support CSW's work in Pakistan and around the world.