Toronto: August 16, 2015. (PCP) Minority Day was officially recognized on August 11, 2009 through the untiring efforts of Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti. Shahbaz Bhatti believed it was of great importance to have a national day of celebration based off the founding fathers address to the first constituent assembly on August 11, 1947. It was in this address that Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah stated that all citizens of Pakistan will be treated as equal citizens despite their caste, colour or creed. On Minority Day, we highlight and celebrate the contributions of Christians and other religious minorities in the creation and development of Pakistan. International Christian Voice has celebrated this day since 2009 and once again celebrated it this year at Greenbrier Recreational Centre in Brampton. The program began with a welcoming and prayer by Rev. Dr. Rashid Gill, Senior Advisor of ICV, followed by the playing of the Canadian and Pakistani national anthems. The Canadian national anthem was led by Sharel, Janine, and David Charles. The Master of Ceremonies for the event, Ms. Nitasha Bhatti, briefed the audience on the reasons for celebrating Minority Day and explained the importance and significance of its recognition; to remember the sacrifices and contributions of religious minorities in Pakistan. The first speech of the evening was given by Ms. Sara Joseph who highlighted the struggles of religious minorities in Pakistan and encouraged the Pakistani Canadian community, especially the youth, to work towards the prosperity of the country. Hon. MP Parm Gill shared his thoughts on Minority Day and applauded the efforts of ICV for carrying forward the legacy of Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti. He also provided an introduction of Hon. Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs. Minister Nicholson addressed the audience about the importance of remembering the sacrifices of religious minority groups in the creation and development of Pakistan. He spoke specifically of the efforts of Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti to get this day officially recognized in Pakistan. Minister Nicholson emphasized the Canadian government’s efforts in protecting religious freedom around the world through the Office of Religious Freedom which was created through the inspiration of Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti. He lauded the efforts of ICV in raising the plight of religious minorities in Pakistan and commended Mr. Peter Bhatti for his role in the office’s external advisory committee. A medley of Pakistani national songs was then performed by Ms. Sheeza Sabir. The Consul General of Pakistan, Mr. Ashgar Ali Golo, spoke about the significant contributions of religious minorities in Pakistan throughout history and in modern times. He stressed the need to empower minorities through education and better economic opportunities while encouraging those in attendance to take action. Hon. Bal Gosal, State Minister of Sport, expressed his views on the struggles minorities face in Pakistan and encouraged ICV to continue its work on highlighting these issues. Honourable MP’s Bob Dechert and Brad Butt also addressed the community, speaking of the fortitude of religious minorities in Pakistan and honouring the sacrifice of Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti. Ms. Ninder Thind, Conservative candidate for Brampton West, Deputy Mayor of Toronto Councillor Vincent Crisanti and Mr. Avinder Singh were also present and showed their solidarity with ICV on this occasion. Mr. John Gill, President of CCA, spoke of the struggles religious minorities are facing in Pakistan and asked the government of Canada to take the necessary steps to safeguard minorities’ rights in Pakistan, just as they are currently doing in other parts of the world. Another performance of Pakistani national songs was led by Mr. Albert Kamran and Mr. Raja Harrison who depicted their musical talents and showed their patriotism and loyalty to Pakistan. ICV Vice Chairman Mr. Tanveer Joseph provided an introduction for the keynote speaker of the program, highlighting his efforts and achievements in Pakistan for religious minorities. Right Reverend Alexander Malik, Bishop Emeritus of Lahore addressed those in attendance, speaking of the loyalty of religious minorities to their homeland, Pakistan, and sharing his personal experiences with the suffering and persecuted community. Bishop Malik shared details of his close relationship with Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti and highlighted his great achievements including 4 senate seats and a 5% government job quota for minorities amongst many others. He explained that the extremist ideology in Pakistan has damaged the nation and has subsequently brought discriminatory laws into effect, causing religious minorities to suffer greatly. He applauded the efforts of ICV in assisting struggling communities in Pakistan and encouraged the international community to become more active and involved. Ms. Bernadette Dean, a victim of recent extremist threats in Pakistan, shared her testimony with the community and explained the hardships that she and many others face in Pakistan, forcing them to flee their homes and seek asylum abroad. Mr. Peter Bhatti, Chairman of ICV, addressed the attendees, thanking all dignitaries and respected community members for showing their support and solidarity with ICV on this important and significant day. Quoting the words of Muhammad Jinnah, he spoke of the Pakistan that the founding father intended to create and the corrupt rulers who altered and destroyed Jinnah’s vision. Mr. Bhatti also shared the situation of Pakistani Christian refugees who are facing hardships in nations such as Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia, emphasizing the need to assist these refugees. He asked the government of Canada to take bold and quick steps to ensure that Pakistani Christian refugees can be relieved of their burden. Ms. Christina Yousif provided an introduction for the chief guest of the evening, Hon. Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence and Multiculturalism. Minister Kenney took the opportunity to also highlight Muhammad Jinnah’s vision of Pakistan, recognizing that Jinnah’s Pakistan never truly came to be. He spoke about his close relationship with Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti and the influence that he had over him, highlighting the fact that Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti revealed the struggles of religious minorities in Pakistan to Canada and the Western world like no one else. He assured the community that he will be looking closely into the cases of Pakistani refugees struggling around the world and will make this a matter of top priority for a re-elected Conservative government. Minister Kenney also re-committed the Canadian government’s support to the Pakistani community, specifically in the case of persecuted minorities, and assured the community he will continue to serve us as he has in the past.