Pakistan Wins Global Recognition for Religious Freedom

WASHINGTON, D.C./KARACHI: Pakistan has received international recognition for its efforts to promote religious freedom, interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence, with human rights advocate Muhammad Kashif Mirza receiving the IRF Award of Courage in Washington, D.C.

Mirza, Director of IRF Roundtable Pakistan, received the award at the America 250 International Religious Freedom Peacebuilders Forum & Awards Ceremony. The recognition acknowledges his work to promote religious freedom, minority rights, human dignity, interfaith dialogue and social harmony.

In his remarks, Mirza dedicated the award to the people of Pakistan and to Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Sikh and other faith communities working to promote tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

He said the recognition belonged to Pakistan’s interfaith leaders, community volunteers, youth, women, scholars and human rights defenders who are working to build trust and understanding among different religious communities.

A special multi-faith delegation from Pakistan also participated in the America 250 events in Washington, representing diverse religious communities and highlighting Pakistan’s efforts toward interfaith cooperation and dialogue.

The recognition was described as an important achievement for Pakistan, particularly for civil society organizations and minority rights defenders working to advance religious freedom, social cohesion and equal citizenship.

Human rights activists, minority rights advocates, religious freedom campaigners and government representatives also congratulated Mirza on receiving the award.

Mirza expressed gratitude to Miss Ali, Co-Chair of IRF Roundtable Pakistan, and other members of the organization. He also thanked Imam Sajjad, Pastor Shahid and Rashid Gill for representing Pakistan at the Washington event.

He acknowledged Greg Mitchell, Founder and CEO of the IRF Secretariat, and Simran Stuelpnagel, President of the IRF Secretariat, for their leadership in establishing a global platform connecting governments, religious leaders and civil society organizations in support of freedom of religion or belief.

The award marks a significant milestone for IRF Roundtable Pakistan, which works with religious leaders, government institutions, civil society organizations, youth, women and international partners to promote religious freedom, equal citizenship, minority rights, social cohesion and peaceful coexistence. Mirza also expressed gratitude to his parents, wife and children for their continued support throughout his public service.