Khushpur, Pakistan: January 14, 2011. (PCP) Mr Jacob Bhatti father of Mr Shahbaz Bhatti Federal Minister for Minorities passed away in Islamabad on 11th Jan 2011 after a protracted illness. Mr Jacob Bhatti had been ill for some time and was hospitalized in Islamabad where he was under going treatment; however the news of Governor Taseer’s assassination last Tuesday (4th Jan 2011) further deteriorated his condition, he slipped into a depression which led to cardiac arrest, he passed away exactly a week later at 9.34 PM on Tuesday night. Mr. Jacob Bhatti was a bold and courageous man and was the main source of strength for his son Shahbaz Bhatti. It was his father’s continuous support and motivation that enabled and encouraged Shahbaz Bhatti to take on the most risky and precarious of situations. Mr. Jacob Bhatti served in the Pakistan Army for sometime and later entered the field of education and served as a teacher for several years. He was the former President of the Kushpur Church Council. His funeral will be held in his native village Kushpur on 13th Jan 2011 at 1.00PM and a Memorial Service will be held in Kushpur on Sunday 16th Jan 2011 at 1.00PM Mr. Jacob leaves behind a grieving wife and a devastated family. May God grant them courage and patience to bear this irreparable loss. May God grant Mr Jacob Bhatti a very special place in Heaven and may his soul rest in eternal peace – Amen.