In G/7/3/2 Islamabad, the Pakistan Minority Rights Movement (MRMP) organized its annual Lent and Ramadan food distribution under the leadership of chairman Nadeem Bhatti. The event provided rations to deserving families and reaffirmed the group’s commitment to serve the Christian community.
Malik Khalid Nawaz Bobby addressed the gathering, praising the Pakistan Peoples Party for its historical support of minority rights and pledging continued solidarity with Christian citizens. Raja Imran Ashraf also lauded Nadeem Bhatti’s efforts and reiterated that political allies must stand with minority communities across all platforms.
Human rights women’s in-charge Shireen Aslam emphasized the MRMP mission to ensure equal rights for all citizens without religious discrimination, recalling the founder’s 11 August 1947 promise of equal opportunities for religious minorities. She highlighted that the inclusion of the Christian community was crucial to the province joining Pakistan.
The MRMP used the occasion to press a series of demands aimed at strengthening minority protection and empowerment. These included restoration of a separate electoral mechanism for minorities so they can elect their own representatives to parliament, proper delimitation of constituencies, and fair and full implementation of a 5% jobs quota to enable skilled young minorities to contribute to national development.
Speakers thanking Nadeem Bhatti included noted activists and community figures such as Shireen Aslam, Raja Raza, Numberdar Inam, Adeel Butt, Malik Arshad Mitho and Fayyaz Bhatti. Father Sylvester Joseph of Fatima Church in F-8/4 Islamabad was present alongside Agha Raza and other local leaders who participated in the distribution.
Arif Athwal expressed gratitude to attendees, and together with central chairman Nadeem Bhatti pledged to continue serving the Christian community through the platform of MRMP. The program was hosted by Mr. Fayyaz Salim, the chairman’s brother, who welcomed guests and underscored the annual event’s importance. The distribution concluded with rations provided to those in need.
