Pakistan's Only Christian Minister Assassinated

Written by David Frum on Wednesday March 2, 2011

Shahbaz Bhatti, Pakistan's minister for minorities, had bravely opposed Pakistan's blasphemy laws. Today he was assassinated in Islamabad.

Shahbaz Bhatti, Pakistan's minister for minorities, has apparently been assassinated in Islamabad.

Bhatti, a Roman Catholic, had publicly opposed Pakistan's blasphemy laws.

A friend in the Canadian government recently had the opportunity to meet the minister. My friend described Bhatti as "serene" - a person on a mission, who explained that he had not formed a family because he knew his time on earth would be short. Bhatti was not reckless, he took security precautions. Yet he knew how the story must probably end. Bhatti lived according to the rule of the great hero of Dutch independence of whom it was said, "He was careful of his health, and careless of his life."

All honor to the memory of this brave man.