MPs Call on Pakistan to Ensure Justice After Pakistani Minister Assassinated

Ottawa –The House of Commons yesterday unanimously passed a motion calling on the Pakistan government to take immediate action against those who would harm and threaten defenders of religious freedom and human rights.

MPs also gave unanimous support to condemn the recent assassination of Pakistan’s Minister for Minorities, Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti, who was the only Christian member of Pakistan’s Cabinet.

Scott Reid, who is the Chair of the Subcommittee on International Human Rights commented: “Having personally met Shahbaz Bhatti just a few weeks ago, I was profoundly saddened to hear of the news of his assassination.”

Reid continued, “It was in his memory and honour that I stood to introduce this motion in the House of Commons to condemn the assassination of Mr. Bhatti, express condolences, and call on the Pakistan government to take immediate action to prevent this kind of thing from ever happening again and to repeal its domestic laws against blasphemy.”

Shahbaz Bhatti was the minister responsible for Minorities in Pakistan.  Himself a Christian – a minority in Pakistan – he was an outspoken proponent of religious freedom and human rights.

The House of Commons unanimously voted to pass the following motion:

             That this House condemns in the strongest terms possible the recent assassination of Pakistan’s Minister for Minorities, Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti; that the House expresses its sincere condolences to the people of Pakistan and to the family of Mr. Bhatti; that this House encourages the Government of Pakistan to take immediate action against those who would harm and threaten defenders of religious freedom and human rights; and, that this House calls upon the Government of Pakistan to repeal its blasphemy laws.

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For further information contact:

Mike Firth
Executive Assistant to Scott Reid, MP
613-947-2277

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