THE VOICE OF MY BROTHER LIVES ON
By Peter Bhatti
The news of my brother Shahbaz Bhatti’s assassination changed my life forever. It was a moment of profound sorrow and unimaginable loss. While our family mourned the loss of a beloved brother, Pakistan lost a courageous leader whose unwavering commitment to justice, human rights, and religious freedom inspired countless people around the world. Shahbaz served as Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs and was the only Christian member of the federal cabinet. A tireless advocate for the oppressed, he courageously defended Asia Bibi, the first Christian woman sentenced to death under Pakistan’s blasphemy Minister for Minorities Affairs and was the only Christian ss advocate for the oppressed, he courageously defended tenced to death under Pakistan’s blasphemy on that has too often been misused d stand brought repeated death threats laws, and called for reforms to legislation that has too often been misused against innocent people. His principled stand brought repeated death threats from extremists. On March 2, 2011, as Shahbaz traveled from our mother’s home in Islamabad, gunmen ambushed his vehicle. They fired 26 bullets, killing him, and left behind pamphlets claiming responsibility for the attack. from our mother’s home in icle. They fired 26 bullets, killing ng responsibility for the attack.
His body was laid to rest in our native village of Khushpur, but his voice was not buried with him. His legacy continues to inspire those who defend persecuted Christians around the world including children facing discrimination, churches attacked because of their faith, families denied basic human dignity, and Christian girls who are abducted, forcibly converted, and abused. village of Khushpur, but egacy continues to inspire ns around the world including es attacked because of their nity, and Christian girls who abused. This year marks the 15 th anniversary of Shahbaz’s martyrdom. It also marks the 10 th anniversary of Aid to the Church in Need’s #RedWednesday campaign, which has united Christians worldwide in prayer, solidarity, and advocacy for those who suffer because of their faith. Shahbaz’s martyrdom. d to the Church which has solidarity, and of their faith.
Like Shahbaz, Aid to the Church in Need’s Persecuted and Forgotten? report gives a voice to the suffering Church. By sharing these stories, it reminds us that religious persecution remains a painful reality for millions of Christians today. Shortly before his assassination, Shahbaz said, “I believe in Jesus Christ, who has given His own life for us, and I am ready to die for a cause.” He remained faithful to those words until his final breath. baz said, n His own use.” ntil d’s a voice se stories, n remains ns today.
As we reflect on his witness, let us ask ourselves: What are we willing to do for our persecuted brothers and sisters? r
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