Remembering Shahbaz Bhatti: The Minister Who Was Killed for His Christian Faith in 2011.
ISLAMABAD — March 2, 2011.
Gunmen opened fire on the vehicle of Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Minorities, Shahbaz Bhatti, earlier today in the capital, killing him in a targeted attack that has sent shockwaves through the country. The 42-year-old was the only Christian member of the Pakistani Cabinet and had been a vocal opponent of the country’s controversial blasphemy laws.
The attack occurred in broad daylight as Bhatti was traveling to work. Armed men ambushed his car, spraying it with bullets. Reports confirm that the Minister was struck more than 20 times and died at the scene . A group calling itself the Tehreek-e-Taliban Punjab (a faction of the Pakistani Taliban) has claimed responsibility for the killing . According to leaflets left at the scene by the assailants, Bhatti was killed because he was a Christian and had refused to back down from his stance regarding the modification of the blasphemy legislation.
Bhatti had long been aware that his life was in danger. He had received repeated death threats from extremist groups, yet he refused to compromise his principles. In a spiritual testament, he had previously stated his unwavering commitment, saying: “I want to live for Christ and I want to die for Him.”
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Despite the threats, Bhatti had requested additional security, including a bulletproof vehicle and trusted bodyguards. These requests were reportedly not granted by the authorities . He had previously noted that he believed more in divine protection than in human security measures.
The assassination comes just two months after the murder of Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, who was killed by one of his own security guards for also opposing the blasphemy laws . Bhatti was a close ally of Taseer in the political arena.
Shahbaz Bhatti was a passionate advocate for the rights of religious minorities in Pakistan, a country where extremist violence against minority communities has been on the rise. He was deeply involved in the case of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death under the blasphemy laws, and had been working discreetly within the government to negotiate potential amendments to the legislation.
He had faced immense pressure to abandon his campaign but remained resolute. He had turned down high-ranking administrative posts in the past, stating that he refused to compromise his mission to serve the marginalized.
The murder has been met with widespread condemnation from the international community. The European Union strongly condemned the brutal killing, applauding Bhatti’s courage and commitment to justice and interfaith dialogue . There are calls for the Pakistani authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The United States House of Representatives also expressed condolences, recognizing Bhatti as a champion of religious freedom and tolerance.
Bhatti’s assassination marks a dark moment for Pakistan, highlighting the dangers faced by moderate voices in the country. He was a symbol of hope for the nation’s religious minorities, and his death has raised questions about the government’s ability to protect its citizens from extremist violence. His funeral was held in Islamabad, after which his body was flown to his hometown of Khushpur near Faisalabad for burial, where thousands gathered to pay their respects.
Shahbaz Bhatti leaves behind a legacy of courage and a vision of a Pakistan free from religious persecution. His death is a reminder of the heavy price often paid by those who dare to challenge extremism.
Remembering Shahbaz Bhatti: The Minister Who Was Killed for His Christian Faith in 2011.
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