International Christian Voice

Press release

International Christian Voice Celebrates Minority Day August 11, 2012

Saturday, August 11, 2012: Today International Christian Voice (ICV) celebrated “Pakistan

Minority Day , August 11” at Chandni Garden Banquet Hall in Brampton ,Ontario. The

Honourable Bob Dechert, M.P. and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

and the Honourable Imran Ali, Deputy Counsel General of Pakistan Toronto, were the guests

of honour. Mr. Brad Butt, M.P. Mississauga StreetsVille, Mr. Harold Albrecht, M.P Kitchener-

-Conestoga, Mr. Paul Hong, Senior Policy advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Canada,

Mr. Vincent Crisanti, City Councillor, Etobicoke North, Mr. Frank Domenichiello, President,

Vaughn Conservative Association, Dr David Koyzis,Professor, Redeemer University ,Hamilton

and a number of other Canadian elected officials, Church leaders, Community leaders, and

representatives of other religious minorities in Pakistan attended and addressed the audience.

The event began with a prayer by Rev Dr Nancy Koyzis. Tanveer Joseph, Vice Chair of ICV and Huma

Christina Media Coordinator did an excellent job as the Masters of Ceremony.

Naeem Akther, Vice Chair International Affairs, explained in his opening speech the significance

of Minority Day and further explained the role and efforts of Shahbaz Bhatti, former Federal

Minister for Minorities in Pakistan, in having this day recognized by the government of Pakistan.

He also highlighted the valuable contribution of Christians and other religious minorities in the

creation and development of Pakistan, in the judiciary, in the civil services, in education, in

health, and defense. He also shared with the audience the role and deciding vote of Christian

leaders at the time of the decision for West Punjab to join Pakistan.

Mr. Bishan Singh Chohan, who represented Pakistani Sikh and Hindu communities in Canada,

emphasized that Sikhs and Hindus are also very loyal to their motherland. Mr Chohan noted

that these communities are also affected by discriminatory laws along with Christians in

Pakistan. Mr.Chohan gave a great tribute to Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti who gave his life to uplift all

the venerable minorities of Pakistan. He also gave assurance of his full support to International

Christian Voice and to the continuation of the legacy of Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti.

Allama Inayat Ali Shakir, Muslim Religious Scholar, lauded the efforts of religious minorities

in the creation and development of Pakistan. Allama Shakir also noted that the white color in

the Pakistani flag reminds us of the sacrifices of minorities in Pakistan. Allama also condemned

all kinds of persecution and discrimination against religious minorities in Pakistan and said

that it should be ended. While giving tribute to Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti, he said that the loss of

Mr.Bhatti is not only the loss of religious minorities, but also a loss for all people who want to

live in peace and harmony in Pakistan. He noted the role played by Shahbaz Bhatti of being as

bridge between Muslim and other religious minorities. Allama also pledged his full support of

International Christian Voice in promoting interfaith harmony.

Peter Bhatti, Chairman International Christian Voice said that the August 11 celebration of

Minority Day reminds us of the vision of our founding father, Quid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali

Jinnah, to have a free and equal state, regardless of caste, creed or religion.

Minority Day also reminds us of the contribution of Christians and other religious minorities of

Pakistan. Mr Bhatti commended the significant services of religious minorities in the history of

the creation of Pakistan. He lauded the vital contributions of religious minorities in the areas of

health, education, defense, and social welfare.

Mr.Bhatti said that unfortunately, after the death of the founding father, every other ruler

used religion for their vested interests and to prolong their rule. Laws discriminating against

the religious minorities started being introduced. Blasphemy laws, Hudood ordinances, laws of

evidence, and other discriminatory laws are not only against the minorities but also go against

the vision of the founding father Qauid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

These laws encouraged extremists and forces of violence to instill fear into the religious

minorities and to make them feel insecure in their homeland. People have widely misused

these discriminatory laws and have set villages on fire where people have been burned alive

and properties severely damaged.

Giving tribute to Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti, he said that we have lost a great leader who dedicated

his life to bring democracy, unity, equality, peace and welfare to Pakistan. He dedicated his

entire life to fight for the rights of the poor and of the religious minorities of Pakistan.

Mr Bhatti said that after the many great losses and sacrifices of our people, we cannot step

back. We cannot bend down before forces that terrorize and harass religious minorities in the

name of religion. We will follow the footsteps of our great leader Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti and

will oppose any kind of hate, violence and intolerance in the name of religion.

He said that the celebration of Minority Day provides us with an opportunity to ensure, that

despite all the discrimination towards the religious minorities of Pakistan, we will remain loyal

and stand as one nation united and prosperous.

Mr.Bhatti appreciated and thanked the government and people of Canada for their role as a

world renowned champion of Democracy, Human Rights and Religious Freedom by establishing

the Office of International Religious Freedom in order to monitor religious freedom throughout

the world, including Pakistan.

He also appreciated the efforts of the present Government of Pakistan for bringing the religious

minorities into mainstream society through jobs, education and representation in all political

forums of the country. However the government of Pakistan must do more to protect and to

uplift the religious minorities of the country.

Mr.Bhatti strongly condemned the killing of the Sikh people in Wisconsin as they were

worshiping in the temple. He also condemned the killing of 19 Christians in Nigeria. ICV sends

their condolences to the families and friends of all the victims.

Mr. Bhatti wished fellow Pakistanis a happy Independence Day for August 14, and wished our

Indian brothers and sisters a happy Independence Day for August 15.

The Honourable Bob Dechert, M.P. and Parliamentary Secretary of foreign affairs Canada,

expressing his thoughts, said that it was his great privilege to meet Minister Shahbaz Bhatti

just a few days before his assassination and that it was the a most shocking moment to hear

of his death;and that his martyrdom gives us an incentive to create the office of International

Religious Freedom. He said that our Government stands for human rights and religious

freedom which is a key objective in our foreign policy. We will speak at every international

forum and invite people around the world to join us. Mr Dechert read a message from the

Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minster of Canada and also read a message from

the Honourable John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs Canada, which they both sent to

International Christian Voice Canada for Minority Day. He presented both letters to ICV

Chairman Peter Bhatti.

Mr. Brad Butt, M.P. Mississauga streetsville, read a message from the Honourable Jason

Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Canada which he sent to

International Christian Voice Canada for Minority Day. Mr Butt also presented this letter to ICV

Chairman Peter Bhatti.

The Honourable Imran Ali, Deputy Consul General of Pakistan, regretted the treatment of

religious minorities in Pakistan, on behalf of the Government and himself. He stressed that

education is crucial in Pakistan development and the ending of persecution. He also stated that,

after long rule by military dictators, the current government of Pakistan is taking concrete steps

to uplift the religious minorities of Pakistan.

Mrs. Eliza Charles, Executive member ICV, read a message that was sent to ICV on Minority

Day by Dr. Katrina Lantos-Swett, Chair of United States Commission on International Religious

Freedom Office (USCIRF). International Christian Voice is very thankful to Dr.Katrina Lantos

and the Office of the USCIRF for their concern about the treatment of religious minorities in

Pakistan.

Mr. Harold Albrecht M.P ,Kitchener –Conestoga, while sharing his thought said he will continue

support to religious freedom and human rights where ever its required ,he honored the

sacrifices of martyr Shahbaz Bhatti which he give for human rights and religious freedom.

Mr. Peter Bhatti and Mr. Tanveer Joseph thanked all the community leaders, church leaders,

ICV members, well wishers and supporters for joining them in the Minority Day Celebration.

Mr. Bhatti also awarded appreciation certificates to the ICV cricket team for their performance

and congratulated the team captain Delwar Phalwan. Mr. Bhatti also thanked Dr. Rev Rashid

Gill, Tanveer Joseph, Naim Akther, Asher Khokhar, Lazer Bagh, Eliza Charles, Max Gill, Reuben

Charles, Qamer Andreas, Gorge Gulam, Vincent Samuel, Huma Christina, Nitasha Bhatti and

Delwar Pehlwan for their hard work in making the program successful.

Senior Pastor Sarwar Din said the prayer for the closing and for celebration lunch.

Huma Christina Youesf

Media Coordinator

International Christian Voice(ICV)

Minority Day Celebration August 11, 2012

“You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or any other places of worship in this state of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed – that has nothing to do with the business of the state.”

Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, August 11, 1947.

In 2009 due to the efforts of Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti, the goverment of Pakistan declared August 11, as "Minority Day" in Pakistan. This day was marked minority day in order to highlight the tremendous contributions made by Christians and other religious minorities during the creation and development of Pakistan.

International Christian Voice is holding an event on Saturday, August 11, 2012.   In this event we will be celebrating the great accomplishments of Christian and other religious minorities of Pakistan. ICV will also highlight the current situation of the Christians and religious minorities of Pakistan.

You are therefore, cordially invited to attend the event and help us celebrate the accomplishments of our minority brothers and sisters of Pakistan.

Lunch will also be served followed by the event.

The venue is:

Chandni Garden Banquet Hall

335 Deerhurst Dr, Unit 9, Brampton, ON, L6T 5K3

August 11, 2012 at 11am

Admission: $15/person.

Please RSVP as soon as possible at following numbers because the seats are limited.

Qamar Andreas    416-669-2352

Asher Khokhar     647-710-8967

Lazer Bagh            416-319-1363

Eliza Charles         1-905-541-1461

Max Gill

Director of Events

International Christian Voice

647-281-5283

International Christian Voice ( ICV) Celebrates the Life and Sacrifice of Shahbaz Bhatti

On March 2^nd, 2012 -- the First Anniversary of the martyrdom of Shahbaz Bhatti, over 450 people gathered at the Woodbine Banquet & Convention Hall to celebrate his life and remember his sacrifice.

Assembled guests included Hon Jason Kenney (Minister for Citizenship, Immigration, & Multiculturalism), Hon Bal Gosal (Minister of State - Sports), His Eminence Cardinal Thomas Collins (Archdiocese of Toronto), His Grace Archbishop Ret. Lawrence Saldanha (Archdiocese of Lahore), Hon Senator Salma Ataullahjan, MP Bob Dechert (Erindale-Mississauga, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs), MP Brad Butt (Mississauga-Streetsville), MP Joe Daniel (Don Valley East), MP Ted Opitz (Etobicoke Center), Sardar Harbans Singh Jandali (President of Dixie Gurdwara Sahib Committee), Professor Nazeer Bishay (President, Canadian Egytian Congress), Mrs. Priti Lamba, Mr. Frank Domenichiello (President, Conservative Party Vaughan), Pastor John Bootsma (Lead Airport Campus Pastor at Catch the Fire, Toronto), Mr. Corey Odden (Chief Executive Officer, Voice of the Martyrs Canada), Councillor Vincent Crisanti (Ward 1 –Etobicoke North), as well as many other dignitaries, clergy, church and community leaders, members of human rights organizations, and members of the Canadian Pakistani Christian community.

Towards the end of the evening Toronto Mayor Rob Ford was also able to join the event and give his condolences and support to the community. Also in attendance were members of the Amadhiyya and Sikh communities, and members of various communal and religious organizations from Canada and the US.

The event was marvelously hosted by Masters of Ceremony Raheel Masih and Serena Samuel; their hard work and organization was evident throughout the evening.

Reverend Dr. Rashid Gill said a brief prayer before appetizers were served as the guests were assembling. The function started with an opening prayer by Reverend Alexander David. His Eminence Cardinal Collins and His Grace Archbishop Ret. Saldanha led prayers and bible readings by community members. His Eminence Cardinal Collins then gave a brief sermon.

The Hallelujah Band led by Abiam Shad sang two songs; including Shahbaz’ favourite psalm “Daim Yahova Ya Rabb”. This was followed by a candle lighting ceremony organized by Mr. Reuben and Mrs. Eliza Charles. Fifty candles were lit by His Eminence Cardinal Collins, the Bhatti family and dignitaries, in solidarity with Shahbaz’ sacrifice and the people for whom he laid down his life. Alfa Pascual sang a beautiful rendition of the song “Wind Beneath My Wings” as the candles were being lit. It was a beautiful and touching moment.

A video produced by Serena Samuel on Shahbaz’ life and the consequences of Blasphemy Law in Pakistan was then shown; a somber time in the event when pin drop silence could be heard and brought tears to many eyes. Peter Bhatti, Chairman ICV gave a speech welcoming the assembled guests and encouraging them to work with ICV to continue Shahbaz’ legacy.

The keynote speaker, Hon Jason Kenney (Minister of Citizenship, Immigration, & Multiculturalism), spoke next. He told the audience how both he and Prime Minister Harper had been influenced by Shahbaz in their short meeting in Ottawa. He reiterated the determination of the Government of Canada to help Christians and other minorities of Pakistan, in every way possible; also stating that Shahbaz was not only able to lift the issues of religious minorities and Christians in Pakistan, but unveiled the serious issue of the persecution of Christians all around the world.

Brief speeches were made by Hon Bal Gosal, who thanked ICV for their continuing to work for not only Christians, but other minorities; MP Bob Dechert; Frank Domenichiello and Mirella Chiapetta, on behalf of Hon Julian Fantino (Minister of Defense); Hon Senator Salma Ataullahjan; Pastor John Bootsma ; Mr. Ijaz Rauf, on behalf of Malik Lal Khan Sahib (National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Canada); Mr. Corey Odden; Councillor Vincent Crisanti, on behalf of Mayor Rob Ford and the City of Toronto; as well as Mayor Rob Ford himself.

An ICV tribute video created by ICV Youth members (Nitasha Bhatti, Jennifer Yousif, Kristina Yousif, & Romeela Pervez) was also shown; as well as a production by Voice of the Martyrs called “Chura”, which shows the story of Shafia, a young girl who was kidnapped, raped and whose captors attempted to force her to convert to Islam. Throughout the evening the many Christians and members of other religious minorities who were murdered by extremists in Pakistan were also memorialized and mourned.

Pastor Pagey Isaac said the closing prayer before dinner was served. Mr. Vincent Samuel thanked everyone for attending and making the event a success.

ICV would like to extend a sincere and special thanks to the MCs Raheel Masih and Serena Samuel for their outstanding work; all the ICV Executives and welcoming comittee (Qamar Andreas, Lazar Bhag, Bosco Martyres, Asher Khokhar & Basanti Masih) for their work in organizing the function; the Hallejuah Band and Alfa Pascual for their beautiful music; Nitasha Bhatti, and Zarin Arif for the audio visual presentations; David Bhatti for his work as "runner" and ensuring that the evening ran on time; Mr. Reuben and Mrs. Eliza Charles for the flowers and candle lighting ceremony; Mr. Vincent Samuel for his hard work in running the event; and the wonderful staff at the Woodbine Banquet & Convention Hall for their arrangements and delicious food.

Written By

Bosco Martyres & Serena Samuel

On behalf of International Christian Voice Canada.

Press Release

Feb 10, 2012

Meet & Greet Dr. Paul Bhatti & Pakistani MPAs‏

International Christian Voice Canada is pleased to report the success of their Meet and Greet event held on February 4^th, 2012 for the visiting delegation

of MPAs and Leaders of All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA) led by Dr. Paul Bhatti; Advisor to the Prime Minister of Pakistan. The event was held at 7pm at the Mississauga Canadian Coptic’s Center, and was well attended by approximately 350 members of the Pakistani Christian community from both Canada and the United States; including a pastors and church leaders, leaders of various community organizations such as the CCA, CCASA Toronto Chapter, and representatives from both ICV Buffalo and the newly created ICV Winnipeg chapters. Other people of importance attending the event included MP Wladyslaw Lizon; representatives from MP John Carmichael’s office; Mark Dotzert National Councilor Conservative Party of Canada; Lesley-Anne Leighton an NGO working in Pakistan with Diadem International and the Shahbaz Bhatti Trust;

The APMA delegation was headed by Dr. Paul Bhatti, Chairman; and included, APMA Coordinator for Punjab Mr. Khalid Gill, MPA Punjab Mr. Tahir Naveed Chaudhary, Balochistan MPA and Minister Mr. Jaffer George, Sindh MPA Mr. Saleem Khokhar and APMA Coordinator for Islamabad Rawalpindi Zone Mr. Manzoor Khan Ghori. From United States the event was attended by Mrs.Alfreda Gill (Vice President Pakistani American Christian Coalition), Ernest Gulab President (Pakistani American Christian Coalition )& Mazoor Alam Chairman (Pakistani American Christian Coalition), Samson Johnson, Anwar Sadique Executive Member (Pakistani American Christian Coalition), Waseem Sohail, Justin Pervez and Victor Gill (Phidelephia). Rana Umar Hayat President and Imdad Khan represented ICV Winnipeg Chapter. Whereas; a large ICV Buffalo Chapter delegation led by Mrs. Samuel Siraj attended the event.

The evening was brilliantly hosted by Mr. Vincent Samuel, who moved things along with ease; beginning with an opening prayer by Mr. Khalid Gill, and the singing of Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti’s favourite Psalm # 9, “Daim Yahova Ya Rabb” led by Mr. Khalid Gill, Mr. Vincent Samuel, Mr. Nadeem Akhtar & Mrs. Phoebe Samuel. Pervez Masih President ICV started the evenings with his welcome and opening address, talking about his relationship with Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti and the cause for which the event was being held.

Mr. Manzoor Khan Ghori introduced the gathered audience to the APMA and revealed some of their vision and strategies. Mr Khalid Gill next took to the stage in the night’s most memorable speech: he led the audience in cheers for the APMA’s “Quaid-e-Tehreeq” Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti – and inspired everyone with his passion for the persecuted. APMA delegates Mr. Tahir Naveed, and Mr. Jaffer George all spoke about rallying together behind their elected leader, Dr. Paul Bhatti; and pleaded with the audience to unite as one Christian community. APMA Chairman Dr. Paul Bhatti in his eloquent and succinct address highlighted the issues facing Pakistani Christian minority in Pakistan and urged the Canadian Pakistani Christian Community to work for the development of the persecuted minorities in Pakistan and support APMA in their efforts. Dr. Bhatti thanked the community for being wonderful hosts to their delegation.

Other speakers for the evening included MP Wladyslaw Lizon, Mark Dotzert National, Alfrida Gill, Ernest Gulab, Manzoor Alam and Rana Umar Hayat. Mr. Javed Iqbal (Toronto) and Waseem Shohail (Philedelphia) entertained the audience with their poetic renditions of Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti’s life and achievements. On behalf of ICV Buffalo Chapter, Mr. Atique Khokhar addressed the audience and roused the crowd with his faith, he cited the evidence of success in Christian nations as one that the Pakistani Christian community could use for the successful eradication of the blasphemy law, and furthermore in assisting Pakistan’s economic development. Special thanks to Aamra Yamin President CCASA Toronto Chapter, who expressed her support to ICV and APMA from the stage; and to Ch. Shadab Khokhar Chairman AWAZ International and to John Gill President CCA for joining ICV in this event

Mr. Peter Bhatti, Chairman ICV in the end thanks Dr. Bhatti and the delegation from Pakistan, dignitaries and visitors from United States, ICV Buffalo, ICV Winnipeg, Community leaders, Church leaders, and the present audience for their participation and tremendous response. He stressed the need to work together in supporting APMA and persecuted Christian and other religious minorities in Pakistan. Mr. Bhatti reiterated ICV mission and vision and assured the audience of ICV commitment in this regard. The APMA delegation were also each awarded plaques by ICV Canada. Whereas the pastoral community led by Pastor Sarwar Din and those present along with community leaders presented a special plaque to Dr. Paul Bhatti for their work with the persecuted Christian and other religious minority groups in Pakistan. Pastor Din also led the audience in a prayer for the persecuted church and the community for its support. At the end of the evening dinner was served.

ICV would like to give special thanks to the following individuals for their time, effort and financial support. These include; Eliza and Reuben Charles; Qamar Andreas; Sabestian Gill; Ashley Francis; Asifa and Asher Khokhar, David Bhatti, Natasha Bhatti; Lazar Bagh; Obaid Newton; Peter Bhatti; Phoebe and Vincent Samuel; Naseem and Naeem Akhtar;and Bosco Martyers. Also thanks to Idrees Masih for excellent catering and to Mississauga Coptic Centre for the great facilities.

Serena Samuel

ICV Youth

International has a file to share with you on SkyDrive. To view it, click the link below.


	Press_Release_Meet_and_Greet_Event.docx
	Press_Release_Meet_and_Greet_Event.docx

August 17, 2011

Press release

On Minority Day Event, International Christian Voice, Files Petition to Repeal Blasphemy Law with Government of Pakistan

Saturday August 13, 2011. Today International Christian Voice (ICV) celebrated “Pakistan Minority Day Pakistan, August 11” at Chandni Garden Banquet Hall in Brampton Ontario. Deputy Counsel General of Pakistan, Toronto Consulate Mr. Imran Ali was the guest of honor. The event was attended by over one hundred Canadians of Pakistani Christian Heritage and faith. A number of Canadian elected officials, representatives of Pakistani political parties in Canada, and Church leaders, community leaders, and representatives of other religious minorities of Pakistan attended and addressed the audience.

The event began with scripture reading by Pastor Bashrat David and prayer by Pastor Samuel Ghori, followed by national anthems of Canada and Pakistan. Serena Samuel and Raheel Masih did an excellent job as the masters of ceremony.

Pervez Masih, President ICV welcomed the honorable guests, and the audience, and provided a brief introduction to ICV, and the significance of “Minority Day Pakistan, August 11.” Mr. Masih explained the role and efforts of Shahbaz Bhatti, Federal Minister for Minorities Pakistan in getting this day recognized by the government of Pakistan. He was followed by Dr. Rev. Rashid Gill, Mrs. Phoebe Samuel, and Group Captain Retired Rev. James Luke.

These speakers highlighted the valuable contribution of Christians in the creation of Pakistan, its judiciary and civil services, education and health, and defense. Dr. Gill shared with the audience, the role and deciding Christian vote of Christian leaders at the time of decision by West Punjab to join Pakistan. He described in details of the significant role of Chief Justice A R Cornelius and his contributions to the justice system in Pakistan and the sport of Cricket.

Mrs. Samuel a nurse educator, and specialist in Forensic Psychiatry, signified the role of Christians in educating and caring for the Pakistani nation. She expressed her dismay at the alarmingly low literacy rate of Christians in Pakistan. She blamed nationalization of Christian Institution in 1972 by the PPP government for depriving Pakistani Christians of educational opportunities.

Rev. Luke, himself a decorated, retired air force officer, shared the Christians and of the significant contributions in the defense forces of Pakistan, particularly in her air force with the audience. Mr Javed Iqbal and ICV General Secretary Obied Newton paid tribute to Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti and other Pakistani Christians for the services and sacrifices. Audiences enjoyed and appreciated their poetic renditions.

Mr. Asher Habib, a successful Pakistani Christian Businessman in Canada, gave the most emotional speech of the afternoon. Audiences were teary eyes, as he described the treatment of Pakistani Christians at the hands of the majority Muslim population. Mr. Bishan Sigh Chohan, a Pakistani Sikh, and member of Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti’s, All Pakistan Minority League, shared his experiences of persecution, and life as a Sikh minority in Pakistan

Hon, Tim Uppal (Minister of State for Democratic Reforms, Kyle Seeback M.P Brampton West, Parm Gill M.P Brampton Springdale, Mr. Frank Domenichiello from the office Hon Julian Fantino State Minister Of Defense, all offered their support for freedom of religion and human rights in Pakistan for the religious minorities. Hon Uppal reiterated Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Canada’s Conservative Government’s plan to open an office of religious freedom. All these speakers congratulated Mr. Bhatti and ICV for hosting this event and offered their support in its mission.

Peter Bhatti Chairman International Christian Voice (ICV) signified the sacrifices of our forefather in the creation of Pakistan. He narrated Quide Azam’s vision for minorities at the time of creation of Pakistan, and explained in detail the poor treatment and persecution of Christian and other religious minorities in today’s Pakistan.

Mr. Bhatti narrated numerous incidents of violence against the lives and properties of Pakistani Christians. He specifically mentioned, Pakistan’s Blasphemy Law, its unconstitutionality, and misuse against Christians and other religious minorities of Pakistan. In his speech he paid tribute to Late Salman Taseer, Governor of Punjab and Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti, Federal Minister for Minorities Pakistan, who was assassinated for speaking against this law. Mr. Bhatti then appealed all Pakistani political parties to request their leaders to stand united against its misuse and repeal.

After Mr. Bhatti’s speech, ICV Finance Secretary Mr Sebastian Gill, introduced Guest of Honor, Deputy Consul General of Pakistan Mr Imran Ali, and invited him to the podium. Before the presentation of the petition, Ms Nitasha Bhatti read to the audience, the text of the petition, to repeal the blasphemy law, which was signed by more than 8000.00 Canadian citizens.

Mr. Bhatti presented this petition in presence of Hon, Tim Uppal (Minister of State for Democratic Reforms, Kyle Seeback M.P Brampton West, Parm Gill M.P Brampton Springdale, Mr. Paul Hong from office of Hon. John Bread Minister Of Foreign affairs, Mr. Frank Domenichiello from the office Hon Julian Fantino State Minister of State for Defense, Ch Liquet Mailk and Danial Ibrham PPP, Imran Siddiqi MQM Canada, and representatives of All Pakistan Muslim League.

From local Church leaders, Pastor Samuel Ghori All Nation Bible Church Brampton, Pastor David Alexander New Convent Church Canada, Pastor Caral Patrick South Asian Christian Alliance Mississauga, Bishop Edwin Raiz New Apostolic Church Canada, Pastor Javed Akther Lutheran Evangelical Church Hamilton, Pastor Wilson Nazim, Rev Dr.Rashid Gill , Elder Kanwal Dean and Brother Younis Joseph, were present during the presentation of petition.

Mr.Imran Ail Deputy Consul General of Pakistan accepted the petition on behalf of the President of Pakistan. Mr. Ali regretted this law and its misuse in Pakistan against the religious minorities. He stressed on the education and development of minorities to overcome persecutions.

Towards the end of the event, Mr. Joe Daniel MP also dropped in to show his support to ICV in their mission to promote freedom of religion and human rights in Pakistan for Christians and other religious minorities. The event ended with a closing prayer by Bro. Richard. Attendees from Muslim faith left the event early due to Ramadan, whereas all others enjoyed fellowship and food into the evening.

For more information on this event or upcoming events, please contact;

Vincent Samuel 905-304-8144, Email: Vincent-samuel@hotmail.com

Dr. Rev. Rashid Gill 416-569-8154, Email: rashidgill@rogers.com

Dear Friends,

To recognize various religious minorities, August 11 has been declared as "Minorities Day" in Pakistan, by the President of Pakistan Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani. This day is celebrated to recognize the sacrifices and valuable contributions of Christians and other religious minorities toward creation and development of Pakistan.

Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti, former Federal Minister of Minorities Affairs Pakistan, worked very hard and put a lot of effort towards getting this day August 11, declared as minorities’ day in Pakistan.

International Christian Voice is celebrating this event in Canada, for the first time after the Martyrdom of Shahbaz Bhatti. Please join International Christian Voice in this celebration, and pass this message on to as many supporters as you can.

Event: Minorities' Day Celebrations

Date: Saturday, August 13, 2011

Time: 11:30 AM

Chief Guest: Sahebzada A. Khan ,Consul General of Pakistan, Toronto Canada

Location: Chandni Garden Banquet Hall

335 Deerhurst Drive - Unit 9
Brampton ON L6T5K3

Phone: 905-789-8182

Lunch will be provided followed by the event.

Please confirm your attendance before coming to the event

To confirm your attendance, and for more information please contact;

Pervez Masih (647) 883-1514, Sebestian Gill (416)871-8418

Qamar Andreas (416)669-2352 Shahbaz Sindhu (647)388-5349

Pastor Dr. Rashid Gill (416) 569-8154 Tabassum Iqbal (416)825-9665

Obeid Newton (647)829-6252 Reuben&Eliza Charles (905)541-1461

Vincent Samuel (289)308-7894 Lazer bagh (416)319-1363

Augustin James (647)772-3373 Deliwar Palhwan (647)986-2657

Look forward to seeing you there.

Peter Bhatti

Chairman,

International Christian Voice

(416)727-1260

Minority Day August 11, 2010

International Christian Voice Canada celebrates Minority Day,

On Wednesday 11th August 2010, members of International Christian Voice and other Pakistani community leaders gathered to celebrate Minority day. The purpose of celebration was to highlight the effort of our minority leaders and heroes who played an important role in the creation and development of our loving country Pakistan, the suffering and problems which religious minorities facing in Pakistan today was also highlighted.

The master of ceremony and secretary general of International Christian Voice Mr Obeid Newton welcomed all and briefly explained the importance of Minority Day. iconimage

Senior Pastor of Evangelical Asian Church Toronto, Rev Serwer Din and Augustine James executive member of the I.C.V. prayed for the program and the peace, prosperity and devolvement of Pakistan.
A famous Gospel singer Mr. Bent Shahzad led the gathering in the singing of the beautiful Pakistani national Anthem, followed by ICV youth and our community classical singer Amber Obeid, who honoured Pakistan by singing national songs.

Mr.Tabassum Iqbal the media secretary of I.C.V stressed the importance of inter-faith and harmony which would lead eventually to the unity for a betterment of Pakistan.

Words of wisdom were expressed by Mr.Basin Singh Chohan, the guest speaker, who represented the Pakistani Sikh community

Mr. Zaka Ulla Niazi, Information Secretary of PPP Canada, stated that their party always worked hard to uphold important values of equality to every citizen of Pakistan.

Mr. Liquat Malik the Vice president of the PPP Canada said that Mottrama Benazir Bhutto Shaheed set an example of equality of all citizens from bringing Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti in the central executive committee of PPP to solve the issues which religious of minorities facing in Pakistan.

Mr.Pervez Salik expressed the mood of the gathering when he offered prayers to Almighty God to help the flood victims and their family for a quick recovery from the difficult situation.

Finally Peter Bhatti, the chairman of the I.C.V stressed the importance of Minority Day, which is a day to reflect and thank God for all our blessing and a day to remember all our heroes who played vital role in creation and development of Pakistan

Historically, in June 1947 when the question of the division of the United Punjab came up, the Hindu and Sikh members of the Punjab assembly opposed the division tooth and nail and out of 180 MLAs 179 were present under the chairmanship of Mr.S.P.Singha who was the last Christian speaker of the United Punjab assembly. 86 Muslim members cast their vote in favour of Pakistan and 89 Hindu and Sikh members voted against Pakistan. Then 3 Christian members with the Muslim pool created a tie of 89 in favour and 89 against. At this critical juncture Mr .S.P.Singha the Christian speaker rose up and gave his casting vote in favour of Pakistan. Thus it was the Christian members of united Punjab Assembly who by their vote made the political division of the major portion of the capital Punjab province as part of Pakistan.

Mr. Bhatti said our founding father Quaid e Azem Muhammad Ail Jinnah had a wider vision of the state of Pakistan when he stated in the first constitute assembly August11,1947 “You are free, you are free to go to your Mosques, and you are free to go to your Temples and other places of worship. You may belong to any religion caste and creed that has nothing to do with the business of state. We all are citizens and equal citizens of one state”.

Mr.Bhatti said Martial law regime Gen Zia-Ul Haq introduced many discriminatory laws against religious minorities of Pakistan mainly the Blasphemy law, Hudood ordinance, and law of evidence and these laws should be repealed as soon as possible for the betterment of every citizen of Pakistan.

He also honoured the role of Christians and their contribution of well known institutions of health, Holy family hospital Karachi and Rawalpindi, U.C.H Lahore and lot others,

In the field of education St. Patrick's school Karachi, Foreman Christian College Lahore and St. Anthony's High School Lahore and lots others.

In the defence Group Captain Cecil Chaudhury and in the field of law Chief Justices of Supreme Court A.R Cornelius, High court judge, Herman Raymond.

All these are examples of the tremendous contributions Christians have made in the development of Pakistan over the years. Mr. Peter Bhatti concluded his speech to congratulate every one Independence Day on the 14th of August2010,

He also request of prayer for those have sacrificed their life due to the Discriminatory laws as well as the flood victims. and thanked all paticpant who spared their precioues time to celebrate minorty day.