Minister Kenney issues statement recognizing Pakistan Day
Ottawa, March 23, 2011 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement recognizing Pakistan Day:
“I want to extend warm wishes to all Canadians of Pakistani descent who today are celebrating Pakistan Day.
“Pakistan Day commemorates two crucial events along the road to Pakistani nationhood: the passage of the Lahore Resolution in 1940, which led seven years later to the formation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the South Asian subcontinent, and the adoption of the first constitution of Pakistan in 1956.
“Canada enjoys a strong relationship with Pakistan. That relationship is rooted in the nearly 125,000 Canadians of Pakistani heritage living in Canada. For over a century, members of the Pakistani community have enriched Canada with their skills, their knowledge, and their talent. And as Pakistan is one of our top source countries for permanent residents, Pakistani-Canadians will continue to play an important role in building this country in the 21st century.
“Across the country today, Canadians of Pakistani descent will be celebrating the day with family and friends, and the wider community. I wish everyone a happy and festive Pakistan Day.
“And as you celebrate, I hope all Pakistani-Canadians – and Canadians who care about Pakistan – will also take a moment to remember Shahbaz Bhatti. Shahbaz Bhatti was the first and only Christian minister in the Pakistani government. He worked tirelessly to protect religious and ethnic minorities in Pakistan. His public condemnation of his country’s blasphemy laws cost him his life when he was slain by assassins on March 2nd.
“On this Pakistan Day, I believe it is important that we all remember the life and legacy of my friend Shahbaz Bhatti.”