Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service) - The Association of Pakistani Christians in Italy will celebrate on August 11 the National Day of Minorities in Pakistan. According to a statement sent to Fides, the National Day of Minorities in Pakistan was established a few years ago, "bythe martyr, the Federal Minister, Shahbaz Bhatti". The day-underlines the statement-was inspired by the speech of the Father of the Nation, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, at the Pakistan's Constituent Parliament in 1947 which established equal dignity and full rights for all citizens of Pakistan".
"The Association of Pakistani Christians in Italy, desired by Shahbaz Bhatti, will live the National Day of Minorities as a day of prayer to remember him and all the victims of martyrdom for religious reasons in Pakistan- prayers for peace and stability in Pakistan ", says the note.
The association in Romewill pay tribute to Minister Shahbaz by visiting the Basilica of St. Bartholomew in Rome where his personal Bible is kept. The Pakistani Christians living in other cities such as Milan, Fidenza, Prato, Florence, Turin, Trento, Foggia and Palermo will organize some moments of prayer.
The All Pakistan Minority Alliance (APMA), the party founded by Shahbaz Bhatti, will organize several events on national territory. "In accordance with 'APMA, wewant to appeal to the international community to support the minorities in Pakistan", the statement concluded. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 05/08/2011)
