Mayor Patrick Brown honours the slain Pakistani minister and human rights advocate with a park in Brampton
(By: Tasneem Zaki)
BRAMPTON, ONTARIO: The City of Brampton has named a newly established park after Shahbaz Bhatti, Pakistan’s former Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs and a prominent advocate for religious freedom and human rights.
Located at 60 Davenfield Circle, Brampton, Shahbaz Bhatti Park honours his efforts to promote equality, religious tolerance and the rights of minority communities.
Bhatti was Pakistan’s first Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs and the only Christian member of the country’s cabinet at the time. He advocated for religious freedom and equal rights and criticised the alleged misuse of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.
He was assassinated in Islamabad on March 2, 2011, after speaking out for vulnerable religious minorities.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown paid tribute to Bhatti, saying he gave his life for a Pakistan where law, justice, freedom and equality would prevail.
According to the City of Brampton, the park’s name recognizes Bhatti’s legacy and highlights the importance of interfaith harmony, acceptance and inclusion.
The tribute also reflects the importance of protecting human dignity and respecting religious diversity. Shahbaz Bhatti Park will stand as a reminder of his commitment to minority rights and the ongoing need to promote equality and tolerance in communities.
