Key Takeaways
- Muhammad Kashif Mirza, Director of IRF Roundtable Pakistan, received the International Religious Freedom Award of Courage.
- The award recognizes Mirza’s work on religious freedom, minority rights, and interfaith dialogue.
- Mirza dedicated the award to Pakistan’s interfaith leaders and community volunteers working towards peace and understanding.
Pakistani human rights advocate and Director of IRF Roundtable Pakistan, Muhammad Kashif Mirza, has been honored with the International Religious Freedom Award of Courage at the America 250 International Religious Freedom Peace Builders Forum and Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C.
The award, presented by the IRF Roundtable Pakistan, acknowledges Mirza’s significant contributions to religious freedom, minority rights, and interfaith dialogue, highlighting his efforts in promoting human dignity and peaceful coexistence.
Mirza, in his acceptance speech, dedicated the award to the people of Pakistan, including members of the Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, and other religious communities, who are working tirelessly to promote tolerance and mutual respect.
A multi-faith delegation from Pakistan, representing different religious communities, also participated in the America 250 events, showcasing Pakistan’s engagement with international efforts for interfaith cooperation and dialogue.
The recognition was widely welcomed by human rights activists, minority rights advocates, religious freedom campaigners, and government representatives, who congratulated Mirza on his award and his work at the international level.
Mirza expressed gratitude to Dr Anila Ali, Co-Chair of IRF Roundtable Pakistan, and members of the Roundtable for their continued work on religious freedom and interfaith cooperation. He also acknowledged Imam Sajjad, Pastor Shahid, and Rashid Gill for their representation of Pakistan in Washington.
He expressed appreciation for the leadership of Greg Mitchell, founder and CEO of the IRF Secretariat, and Simran Stuelpnagel, president of the secretariat, for developing a platform that brings together governments, faith leaders, and civil society organizations around 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, young people, women, and international partners on religious freedom, equal citizenship, minority rights, and social cohesion.
This recognition belongs to Pakistan’s courageous interfaith leaders, community volunteers, youth, women, scholars and human rights defenders who work every day to build trust and understanding across religious communities.
Muhammad Kashif Mirza, Director of IRF Roundtable Pakistan
