ROME, ITALY: In a powerful address to the Italian Parliament and Government representatives, Adan Farhaj, Director of International relations for Pakistani Christians in Italy, marked the 15th anniversary of the martyrdom of Shahbaz Bhatti. Farhaj described the occasion as a "pellegrinaggio dell’anima" (pilgrimage of the soul), declaring that while terrorists sought to silence Bhatti’s voice fifteen years ago, his message of harmony now resonates more powerfully than ever.

Harmony is not the absence of differences; it is the beauty of living them together,  Farhaj stated, emphasizing that "to point a gun to impose a faith is the defeat of humanity."

The address turned sharply toward a current humanitarian emergency in Pakistan's capital. Farhaj alerted the assembly to the forced legal eviction of historic Christian settlements, specifically Rimsha Colony and Sharpar Colony. He denounced these actions as a "cruel injustice" against the very workers who sustain the city. Despite being placed there by the state for protection years ago, these families now face homelessness in defiance of Supreme Court safeguards. "Where is the dignity if you demolish the home of a poor person without offering an alternative roof?" Farhaj asked, vowing that the community will not remain silent while their people are uprooted.

In response to this crisis, Farhaj highlighted a growing international diplomatic movement. He noted that the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Pakistani Minorities, led by Hon. Jim Shannon, has recently sent an urgent appeal to the Chief Justice of Pakistan to halt the demolitions. This global response is anchored by the historic formation of APCO (Alliance of Pakistani Christian Organisations) in the UK, a coalition that Farhaj describes as the "beating heart" of a unified diaspora that is now expanding its influence worldwide.

Concluding his remarks, Farhaj called upon Italian legislators to ensure that human rights remain the essential condition of all diplomatic relations with Pakistan. Thanking Italy for providing a "refuge for hope," he pledged that the battle against discrimination would continue as a lifelong mission in the name of Shahbaz Bhatti. "Shahbaz continues to speak to us, he smiles at us, and he pushes us never to give up," Farhaj concluded, offering verses dedicated to the immortal memory of the martyr.

Media Contact: Pakistani Christians in Italy External Relations Office