KARACHI: In a continued effort to improve religious freedom and support marginalized communities, Pakistan recently hosted a series of roundtable discussions that brought together diverse religious leaders, government officials, and civil society representatives. Organized by the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Pakistan Office, these sessions were led by Anila Ali, Chair for Pakistan at the IRF Roundtable and Gender-Based Violence Chair for G100 Women’s Economic Forum (WEF).
A prominent international peace activist, Anila Ali aimed to foster dialogue and inclusion, particularly focusing on religious minorities and women’s roles in peace and security. The roundtables, sponsored by the American Muslim and Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council (AMMWEC), took place in major cities such as Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, as well as smaller towns across Pakistan. These gatherings served as a platform for participants to discuss the challenges faced by religious minorities, including discrimination, violence, and restrictions on religious practices. Participants stressed the need for increased tolerance and respect for all faiths in order to cultivate a more peaceful and inclusive society.
During her tour, Anila Ali met with Christian leaders from Sargodha and Jaranwala to hear their experiences following attacks on their communities and places of worship. The sessions provided a rare opportunity for direct dialogue between religious communities and policymakers. Muhammad Kashif Mirza, Coordinator and Director of the IRF Pakistan, emphasized the significance of these discussions in building mutual understanding. “Religious freedom is a fundamental human right that must be protected for all individuals, regardless of their faith,” Mirza said. He highlighted the importance of continued engagement to promote tolerance and respect for religious diversity in Pakistan.
#ReligiousMinorities, #ReligiousFreedom, #PakistanDialogue, #AnilaAli, #IRFPakistan, #MultifaithEmpowerment, #ToleranceAndRespect, #InterfaithDialogue, #Women’sRoleInPeace, #ReligiousDiversity, #HumanRights, #PakistanRoundtables
