Washington, D.C ——— The International Religious Freedom Roundtable Pakistan delegation led by Co-Chair IRF Roundtable Pakistan Ambassador Imam Allama Muhammad Ahsan Siddiqui with prominent religious leaders Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Hindu and government officials, media represented Pakistan with pride and showcased the country’s commitment to promoting religious freedom and tolerance, and made a lasting impression at the 2024 International Religious Freedom (IRF) summit held in Washington, D. C. United States.
The three-days IRF Summit 2024, organized by IRF Summit Co-Chairs, Ambassador Sam Brownback and Dr. Katrina-Swett Lantos, brought together leaders and representatives from over 80 countries to discuss the current state of religious freedom around the world.
The IRF Pakistan delegation led by Co-Chair IRF Roundtable Pakistan Ambassador Imam Allama Muhammad Ahsan Siddiqui, was comprised of Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Syed Abdul Khabir Azad, Muslim Christian Federation International Chairman, Qazi Abdul Qadeer Kahmosh, Caretaker Federal Minister for Human Rights, Kahlil George, Jamait Ahle Hadith Pakistan President Allama Hisham Elahi Zaheer, Pastor Anwar Fazal, (Isaac TV) Peace Center Lahore President Father James Channan, Pastor Amjad Farooq, Pakistan Hindu Council Chief Coordinator Karshan Lal, Media Anchorperson, Imtiaz Mir, Daisy Amjad Farooq, Pastor Nasir John, Asif Masi , Kashif Mirza. The trip was a significant milestone for Pakistan, as it showcased the country’s commitment to promoting religious freedom and tolerance. The delegation’s active participation and representation at the summit were highly appreciated by the international community, and it further strengthened Pakistan’s position as a leader in promoting religious harmony.
Recognizing religious freedom as a fundamental human right, the Pakistani faith leaders affirmed the significance of diversity and pluralism in the tapestry of global societies, respecting the unique beliefs and traditions that contribute to the richness of humanity.
In addition to their participation at the summit, the IRF Pakistan Co-Chair IRF Roundtable Pakistan Ambassador Allama Muhammad Ahsan Siddiqui aloung delegation also had a meet United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious freedom Rashad Hussain and other officials, visit worships places, National Press Club, where they discussed the importance of promoting religious freedom and tolerance in the media.
The trip was a significant milestone for Pakistan, as it showcased the country’s commitment to promoting religious freedom and tolerance. The delegation’s active participation and representation at the summit were highly appreciated by the international community, and it further strengthened Pakistan’s position as a leader in promoting religious harmony.
In this spirit, the Pakistani faith leaders committed to fostering dialogue and cooperation among religious communities, seeking common ground that transcends religious differences and fosters a world where individuals of every faith can live with dignity and respect.
The Co-Chair IRF Roundtable Pakistan Ambassador Imam Allama Ahsan said that delegation from Pakistan’s successful trip to the IRF Summit 2024 is a testament to the country’s efforts in promoting religious freedom and tolerance and finding solutions to the challenges. The delegation’s participation and representation at the summit has not only brought positive recognition to Pakistan but also highlighted the country’s ongoing efforts to protect the rights of all its citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs.
They expressed their deep concern regarding the human rights situation in various regions globally calling upon the international community to address issues that adversely affect religious freedom and fundamental human rights.They advocated for an inclusive approach that promotes mutual understanding, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among people of different religious backgrounds.
They appealed to governments and international bodies to collaborate in the pursuit of policies that safeguard religious minorities, ensuring their rights are protected and that they can participate fully in society.