Why No Justice Yet For Murdered Pakistani Christian Shahbaz Bhatti?

Justice for the murdered Pakistani Christian federal cabinet member Shahbaz Bhatti remains elusive World Watch Monitor

Pakistai is not doing enough to secure justice for murdered Christian cabinet member Shahbaz Bhatti, say Pakistan's Chrstians, according to World Watch Monitor

The Christian community says the Pakistani political leadership is not doing enough to ask the police and the judiciary to ensure his killers are brought to justice 

Bhatti, a Catholic, aged 42, was leaving his Islamabad home when gunmen peppered his car with bullets, hitting him several times six years ago.

His murderers left leaflets describing him as a 'Christian infidel' at the scene.

The leaflets stated that he was murdered for heading a committee to review Pakistan's punitive blasphemy laws, often used to persecute Christians.

His support for Asia Bibi, the mother of five who is still on death row after she was convicted of blasphemy against Muhammad in 2010, also made him a target.

Last month, Pakistan's Dawn newspaper quoted religious affairs minister Sardar Mohammad Yousuf as saying that the federal government would reject any reform of the legislation.

'The law will remain as it is and those blaspheming ... will face the gallows,' he said.

Four years ago, a Taliban-affiliate suspect arrested for an attack on a Shi'ite mosque confessed in police custody that he was among those who had killed the minister.

Pakistan needs two witnesses to mount a successful prosecution.

The single witness to the shooting has fled to Thailand and, in fear for his life, has applied for asylum.

Bhatti had been an activist for most of his life, reports World Watch Monitor.

As a student he founded the Christian Liberation Front, which became the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance, which formed an alliance with the Pakistan People's Party, which then won general elections in 2008 and set up a government. The PPP created a ministry of Minority Affairs in November 2008 and appointed Shahbaz Bhatti as its first minister.

News
Church historian highlights challenges and opportunities for evangelicalism in a changing world
Church historian highlights challenges and opportunities for evangelicalism in a changing world

A leading church historian has warned that the public image of evangelicals is being distorted by US politics, even as the movement experiences rapid growth and renewed vitality across the Global South.

Rapper Nicki Minaj speaks up for Nigeria's Christians amid relentless attacks
Rapper Nicki Minaj speaks up for Nigeria's Christians amid relentless attacks

“In Nigeria, Christians are being targeted, driven from their homes and killed," she said.

Marriage Foundation warns decline in weddings reflects lingering impact of Covid lockdowns
Marriage Foundation warns decline in weddings reflects lingering impact of Covid lockdowns

The Marriage Foundation has voiced concern over newly released figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which show a 9% fall in heterosexual marriages in England and Wales during 2023.

Scottish assisted dying Bill faces scrutiny from MSPs and medical groups
Scottish assisted dying Bill faces scrutiny from MSPs and medical groups

A contentious assisted dying bill being considered by Holyrood is facing mounting opposition as MSPs voice significant concerns about patient safety, human rights compliance, and supposed safeguards.