Toronto, Canada: August 15, 2013. (PCP) Tanveer Joseph, vice chairman (community affairs) welcomed the distinguished guests and while explaining the details of the event, he laid emphasis that Minority’s Day is the day which is based upon the historic speech of Quaid-e-Azam, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who categorically advocated for a secular Pakistan and wanted separation of religion and state. This day is always referred to as a day which speaks for religious minorities throughout history. Through the tireless efforts of martyr Shahbaz Bhatti, this day was dedicated to be Minority’s Day. Today, religious minorities of Pakistan have the opportunity to express their feelings through rallies, seminars, conferences and workshops (if possible). Furthermore, this is the day when religious minorities with their likeminded friends from the majority community can plan activities for the rest of the year so that majority and minority community can go hand in hand and can increase social harmony while illustrating brotherhood in the country. Raja Harrison, Max Gill and Phillip Patrick sung milli songs (patriotic songs), which were appreciated by the participants. The speakers expressed solidarity and together wanted to promote brotherhood and unity in Pakistan; so that growing intolerance, extremism, terrorism and killings could be stopped. Tahir Gora, a renowned journalist was of the view that we should stick to those values which keep us together through various cords. Language is one of such cords, which ties in strong relationship. Saleem Shiekh expressed his cordial love and honor for ICV, as they are making all efforts to keep our ties strong with Pakistan by organizing different programs related to Pakistan. Minister Bal Gosal appreciated the efforts of ICV and encouraged Peter Bhatti to continue the good work for promoting brotherhood and solidarity with brothers and sisters in Canada and Pakistan. He also mentioned his strong ties earlier with martyr Shahbaz Bhatti and now with Peter Bhatti. He further expressed that he is impressed by the passion of martyr Shahbaz Bhatti for his people and country, Pakistan. He welcomed all participants as this program was hosted in his riding. Natasha Bhatti, while explaining the contribution of non-Muslims in the fields of education, she said that there was a time, even still now one finds many Christian mission educational institutes are listed among best educational institutes in the country. These schools and colleges produced many leaders of the country and if one lists leading businessmen, army officers/commanders, bureaucrats etc. then one will find majority of such are educated from mission institutes. Thus their contribution can never be ignored in development of Pakistan. Haroon Nasir gave a brief review of contribution of non-Muslims in general life. He further explained that how non-Muslims are taking pains for developing a harmonious society. He was of the view that today’s Pakistan need efforts and struggle of each and every Pakistani. Therefore, brain-drain should be stopped and all citizens of Pakistan should take part in development of the country and to counter terrorism/extremism, the anti-Pakistan element should not followed at any cost. One should try that peace, forgiveness and love should prevail in social life so that our country should really become a living example of heaven on this earth. Peter Bhatti, Chairman ICV explained in detail the sufferings of Christians and other religious minorities in Pakistan and he also explained the sacrifice of his brother Shahbaz Bhatti, is not for only one sect or religion, rather it is for whole nation;. He further expressed, that we find a long list of sacrifices and services of Christians in Pakistan, he assured that even today, all Christians and other religious minorities are serving the country and are ready to work for the nation at any level. He appreciated the previous government for implementing 5% quota in jobs; allocating 4 seats in senate for non-Muslims; declared 11th August as national Minority’s Day; and fixing special prayer rooms for non-Muslim prisoners. As there are various things to appreciate in Pakistan, there are also few things which needs to be eliminated in order to transform the society into a humanitarian society. Taking the opportunity, Peter Bhatti demanded that, government should take measures to stop the wrong use of blasphemy law 295 B and C and other discriminatory laws, which is basic right of minorities according to the vision of Quaid-e-Azam, Muhammad Ali Jinnah and bring in justice to those who are responsible for this violence. Religious minorities may once again given the chance to appoint as President; Prime Minister; Chief of Army Staff and Chief Justice. He strongly demanded that the religious minorities should be given their right to elect their representatives on their own. In this regard right of dual vote may be given to religious minorities, so that they remain part of the streamline politics and at the same time also decide for their own fate. We demand denationalization of all Christian mission educational institutes and restoration of the ministry of interfaith harmony. At the end he prayed for the prosperity of Pakistan and wished that the marginalized Communities of Pakistan may also grow and God may keep them safe from all types of discrimination, injustices and inequalities. He ended his speech saying, that despite all problems and discrimination religious minorities are loyal and patriotic. Dr. James Shara sent his massage from England and said this day was formally adopted by the Govt. of Pakistan under the leadership of our great leader Shaheed Shahbaz Bhatti when he was the Federal Minister of Pakistan. “I salute all of you who are committed to pursue Shahbaz's mission who devoted his life for justice, human rights and interfaith harmony for all. This was the dream of our Quaid Mr M .A. Jinah. I value and support Peter and Paul Bhatti for their commitments and devotion to Shaheed Shahbaz’s mission and Pakistan. Long live Pakistan.” Counsel General, Mr. Nafees Zakria, paid tribute to martyr Shahbaz Bhatti who laid his life for uplifting humanity and brotherhood in Pakistan; he was instrumental for this day. He also appreciated the Christian community in Canada, who continue to organize programs to support brothers and sisters. He further said that ‘minority’ could be seen as a derogatory term; people of all religions in Pakistan are part of Pakistan as equal citizens. No one can take away this right from them. He stressed that there are cords of disunity, which we all need to address effectively so that those sad incidents happening there should not continue. He assured Peter Bhatti that all demands have been noted and he will move forward to the government of Pakistan, Islamabad along with the warm feelings expressed in this program. Furthermore, he extended an invitation for Pakistan Day and hoped that most of the friends from Christian Community will come to celebrate the event. Honorable MP Bob Decker said Shahbaz Bhatti was the person who inspired Canadians a lot. This is not just one, two or three people here; he said with full confidence that Honourable Prime Minister Stephan Harper and Minister Jason Kenny are much inspired; the office of the religious freedom, Canada is the example of such friendship and inspiration. This is the long story of good friendship, love and prosperity. He further expressed his support to the cause Shahbaz Bhatti fought for. Honourable MP Brad Butt endorsed what MP Bob Decker said. He assured his full support for developing love, peace and brotherhood. He appreciated the role of ICV for their struggling in Canada and Pakistan. Towards the end, MC Tanveer Joseph thanked all participants and community for supporting the cause for which ICV stands for and assured that this support would continue to enhance the community here in Canada and would continue serving in Canada and Pakistan. In closing, Peter Bhatti thanked the community members, especially present there to celebrate Minoirty’s Day and he also thanked his team whom he invited in front and appreciated their support and love.