The Government of Pakistan has announced that Dr Paul Jacob Bhatti will be honored with the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, a prestigious national civil award, in recognition of his longstanding efforts to foster interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence among the country’s diverse religious communities. This announcement was made shortly after the observance of National Minorities Day on August 11, a day commemorating Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s landmark 1947 speech advocating equal rights and religious freedom for all citizens.
Dr Bhatti’s commitment to this cause is deeply rooted in the legacy of his late brother, Shahbaz Bhatti, the former federal minister for Minorities Affairs. Shahbaz Bhatti was a vocal advocate for the official recognition of National Minorities Day before he was tragically assassinated in Islamabad on March 2, 2011, due to his firm stance against extremism. In recognition of his sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Hilal-e-Shujaat.
Following his brother’s death, Dr Bhatti embraced the mission to promote minority rights and interfaith dialogue. He served as Adviser to the Prime Minister on Minorities Affairs with the status of Federal Minister and later became the first Federal Minister for National Harmony after the ministry was restructured under the 18th Constitutional Amendment. During his approximately three years in office, he worked tirelessly to enhance interfaith communication and increase minority participation in national affairs.
After leaving government service, Dr Bhatti continued his efforts on an international scale, building connections between Pakistani communities and religious and civil society organizations abroad. Officials highlighted that the award acknowledges his persistent dedication to fostering understanding among Pakistan’s varied faith groups.
Responding to the honor, Dr Bhatti expressed that the recognition was not something he actively sought but hoped it would send a broader message to the global community about Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful coexistence. Reflecting on the significance of the award, he emphasized the enduring legacy it represents—beginning with Jinnah’s vision of equal citizenship, carried forward by his brother’s ultimate sacrifice, and sustained through ongoing efforts to nurture dialogue across religious boundaries.
“The strength of Pakistan lies in its diversity,” Dr Bhatti stated, “and its future depends on our ability to live together as equal citizens with dignity, mutual respect, and peace.”
