ICV celebrate National Minority Day

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Brampton, Canada: August 15, 2016. (PCP) On Thursday, August 11, 2016, International Christian Voice (ICV) hosted its annual event commemorating and celebrating National Minority Day in Pakistan at Chandni Garden Banquet Hall in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. The Consul General of Pakistan in Toronto, federal and local members of the Canadian government, leaders from different faith communities and human rights organizations were also present there. The purpose of this event is to remember the a very significant moment in the history of Pakistan because on August 11 in 1947, the founding father laid down the foundations of a modern, tolerant and progressive Pakistan. A Pakistan in which everyone would have equal rights, regardless of creed, caste and gender. It is a day to highlight the efforts and sacrifices made by religious minorities in the creation and development of Pakistan and a day for religious minorities to reaffirm their commitment and dedication towards bringing interfaith harmony and religious freedom in Pakistan. The event was opened by Ms. Nitasha Bhatti, the Emcee for the program, who welcomed all guests in attendance. She invited everyone to stand for the playing of the Pakistani national anthem, followed by the Canadian National, which was sung by Ms. Sheeza Sabir. The opening prayer was said by Rev. Dr. Rashid Gill, Senior adviser of ICV who prayed for the proceedings of the program. Mr. Tanveer Joseph, ICV Vice-Chairman, gave the official welcoming remarks and briefed the audience on the significance and importance of celebrating Minority Day, saying that all Pakistani Canadians should remember their homeland and work towards its development. He also spoke of his national pride in being a Pakistani Christian. The first singer of the evening was Mr. Peter Newton who delivered a riveting live performance of a classic Pakistani national song with the assistance of Mr. Sunil Parsad on the keyboard. Mr. Haroon Nasir provided a presentation entitled “Minority Day: From Creation to Prosperity” detailing the role religious minorities played in all fields of life in creating and developing the nation of Pakistan. He spoke of the exceptional individuals who were leaders in all walks of life in Pakistani society and outlined the efforts and sacrifices that they made so that their nation could flourish. Mr. Raja Harrison, a well-known musician in the community, performed a lovely Pakistani song, displaying the musical talent and cultural pride that Canadian Pakistani Christians possess. Mr. Rizwan Masih, a youth member of the Pakistani Christian community was the next speaker. He passionately spoke of the persecution and discrimination faced by religious minorities in Pakistan, stating that they have and continue to be innocent victims of violence and hate and have done nothing to deserve the injustices that they face. Mr. Peter Bhatti, ICV Chairman, delivered his remarks on the importance of celebrating Minority Day and re-introduced the foundations laid down by Pakistan’s founding father Qaid-E-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah in Pakistan’s creation. He paid tribute to Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti for bringing minorities’ rights into the forefront, He pledged that despite of all discriminations and persecution religious minorities of Pakistan will continue to work for equality, peace, justice, and freedom in Pakistan. He also thanked all in attendance for their loyal support. The newly appointed Consul General of Pakistan, Toronto, Mr. Imran Ahmed Siddique, was welcomed by the Pakistani Christian community with the presentation of a bouquet of flowers by community leaders and pastors. The Consul General then took a moment to speak about his appreciation to the religious minorities of Pakistan, whom he considers as equal citizens, and saluted them for their courageous efforts and resolute stance in working to develop Pakistan as a nation and for continuing to respect and honour their homeland. A presentation highlighting the accomplishments of Mr. Asher Habib’s daughters, Catrina and Clair Asher, was then given in which their skills and talents in the sport of synchronized figure skating were displayed. The pair’s achievements were recognized by ICV with the presentation of a plaque commending the girls on their success and wishing them the best of luck in the future representing their countries Canada and Pakistan. The next musical performance was given by Ms. Sheza Sabir, another member of the Pakistani Canadian Christian youth, who performed a medley of Pakistani national songs, displaying her vocal talents and abilities. Member of Parliament for Brampton East Mr. Raj Grewal delivered his remarks next, speaking of the importance of the universal values highlighted through events like Minority Day. He appreciated the Pakistani Canadian community for always remembering their heritage and for their efforts to create a more peaceful and tolerant Pakistan. He also reaffirmed the Canadian government’s stance on promoting religious freedom around the world and offered his personal support to the Canadian Pakistani community. The final musical performance of the evening was given by Mr. Max Gill, who sang a national song with pride and joy. He also recited a poem on the subject of minorities’ inclusion in Pakistani society. Mr. Tahir Aslam Gora, a well-known Canadian Pakistani journalist and his wife, Mrs. Halima Gora took the stage to speak on the importance of the contributions of minority groups in the creation and prosperity of Pakistan. They expressed the stance of progressive Pakistani Muslims with Pakistani Christians and other religious minorities, saying that Pakistan is a land for people of all faiths and beliefs. Toronto District School Board Trustee for Etobicoke Mr. Avtar Minhas Singh saluted the efforts and sacrifice of Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti as well as the efforts of ICV in keeping his legacy alive. He expressed that all of humanity is one race and we cannot and must not discriminate based on religious beliefs or any other personal beliefs. Pastor Nazim Wilson gave the closing prayer.

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On demand of our readers, I have decided to release E-Book version of "Trial of Pakistani Christian Nation" on website of PCP which can also be viewed on website of Pakistan Christian Congress www.pakistanchristiancongress.org . You can read chapter wise by clicking tab on left handside of PDF format of E-Book.

nazirbhattipcc@aol.com , pakistanchristianpost@yahoo.com