Christians have welcomed the news that Minorities Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, a Christian, has retained his position in the Pakistan government following a major reshuffle on 10 February.

Christians in Pakistan have hailed this development as “astounding”; Shahbaz Bhatti received a number of death threats because he had proposed an amendment to the country’s controversial “blasphemy law” in the wake of the Aasia Bibi case. Aasia, a Christian mother of five, was sentenced to death under the law in November 2010 for defiling the name of Muhammad (see Prayer Focus Update, December 2010). The Minorities Minister has openly supported Aasia in her plight and has also requested a pardon for her.

It is thought that the government had come under pressure from members of the international community to retain the Ministry of Minority Affairs in response to the growing violence against minorities in Pakistan. Following the announcement, Shahbaz Bhatti said, “I thank God for giving me this opportunity to continue my struggle for the oppressed minorities in Pakistan.”

• Praise God for the news that Shahbaz Bhatti has retained his position in the government of Pakistan. Pray that the Lord will continue to guide him and give him wisdom and discernment in his work for the oppressed minorities in Pakistan.

Source: Barnabas Fund 28th February 2011