Building bridges of understanding and promoting religious freedom across Pakistan and beyond borders.
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Our Pillars
Foundational principles that guide our mission to foster peace and understanding.
Multi-Faith, Inclusive, & Equal Citizenship
We promote societies where people of all beliefs live in mutual respect, participate fully in public life, and enjoy equal rights and protections under the law.
Religious Freedom & Responsibility
We defend the right of every individual to believe, or not freely—while encouraging the responsible exercise of that freedom to promote peace, dignity, and the common good.
Good Citizenship & Governance
We encourage active citizenship rooted in shared values and support governance that protects human rights, fosters accountability, and serves the common good of all communities.
Leadership
GREG MITCHELL
CO-FOUNDER & CO-CHAIR
NADINE MAENZA
CO-CHAIR
ANILA ALI
Co-Chair for Pakistan
KASHIF MIRZA
Director
Welcome to the IRF Roundtable Pakistan
"Guided by the inclusive vision of Quaid-e-Azam, our mission is to foster a non-partisan space for constructive dialogue and mutual respect. We believe that protecting freedom of belief is essential for national stability. By bridging the gap between civil society and policy-makers, we strive to build a cohesive Pakistan where the constitutional rights and dignity of every citizen are upheld."
– Anila Ali
Building Unity Through Dialogue
"At the IRF Roundtable Pakistan, we believe that sustainable peace is built on the foundation of consistent, constructive engagement. Our role is to facilitate a neutral platform where civil society, religious leaders, and government representatives can move beyond differences to find common ground.
We are dedicated to practical collaboration—transforming challenges into opportunities for understanding. By fostering a culture of respect and working collectively within our national framework, we aim to strengthen the social fabric of Pakistan and demonstrate that our diversity is our greatest asset."
– Kashif Mirza
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Kashif Mirza’s Fifteen-Year Fight for Religious Freedom Wins Global Honor
July 17, 2026 • Washington, D.C. | Religious Freedom • Human Rights
Kashif Mirza Named Recipient of the America 250 IRF Courage Award
Kashif Mirza was named recipient of the America 250 IRF Courage Award during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. (Faith & Freedom News)
The Karachi-based advocate, who has spent fifteen years convening Pakistan's religious communities and pressing for minority-rights legislation, was honored in Washington with a citation that opened by recalling the assassination of journalist Imtiaz Mir.
Kashif Mirza, Director of the IRF Roundtable Pakistan, has been named recipient of the America 250 IRF Courage Award, a citation presented in Washington that traced his advocacy back to the streets of Karachi, where the risks of the work he does are not abstract.
In Memoriam: Imtiaz Mir
The award citation began by recalling the assassination of Imtiaz Mir, a journalist who devoted his career to reporting on religious freedom in Pakistan. He was shot by gunmen on motorcycles in Karachi last September and died eight days later — a stark reminder, the citation noted, of the risks faced by those who report on and advocate for religious minorities in the region.
Fifteen Years of Roundtables
From Karachi, Mirza convenes roundtables across Pakistan that bring Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, and Ahmadis to the same table — an act the citation described as itself carrying risk in the current environment. He has done this work for fifteen years.
"Some in this movement advocate from safety. Kashif Mirza does not. He comes to Washington — and every time, he goes home."
The citation credited Mirza with going beyond advocacy into legislative work, noting that his efforts helped move Pakistan's National Commission for Minorities Rights Bill through Parliament last year. He is now pressing provincial lawmakers in Punjab toward what the citation described as something Pakistan has never had: an enforceable ban on forced conversion.
Cited Record of Advocacy
Interfaith roundtables: Fifteen years convening Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, and Ahmadi leaders across Pakistan.
National Commission for Minorities Rights Bill: Advocacy credited with helping move the bill through Parliament last year.
Forced conversion legislation: Currently pressing Punjab lawmakers toward an enforceable ban.
Jaranwala church burnings: Continued pressing of the courts on the case after the news cycle moved on.
The citation also pointed to Mirza's continued involvement in the aftermath of the 2023 mob attacks on churches in Jaranwala, stating that he did not move on from the case when media attention faded, and that he remains engaged in pressing the courts for accountability.
“He Goes Home”
The citation closed by drawing a contrast between advocates who work from a distance and those who remain in the communities most affected by the risks they describe, noting that Mirza returns to Pakistan after every trip to Washington. The presenter then called on the audience to stand for the recipient of the America 250 IRF Courage Award: Kashif Mirza.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: America 250 IRF Courage Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE • July 17, 2026 • Washington, D.C. / Islamabad
PAKISTANI MINORITY RIGHTS CHAMPION AND INTERFAITH TRAILBLAZER KASHIF MIRZA HONORED WITH PRESTIGIOUS AMERICA 250 INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM COURAGE AWARD 2026 IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
Director of IRF Roundtable Pakistan Recognized on the Global Stage for Over 15 Years of Courageous Advocacy, Defense of Minority Rights, Driving Landmark Minority Legislation and Building Multi-Faith Harmony in 20 Cities
Kashif Mirza, Director of IRF Roundtable Pakistan, receiving the America 250 IRF Courage Award at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C.
July 17, 2026 WASHINGTON, D.C. / ISLAMABAD— In a milestone moment for human rights and interfaith harmony in South Asia, Muhammad Kashif Mirza, widely recognized as Pakistan's foremost defender of religious freedom and Director of the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Roundtable Pakistan, was conferred the prestigious America 250 IRF Courage Award during the 2026 IRF Peacebuilders Forum in Washington, D.C. Hosted at the Museum of the Bible as part of the America 250 commemorations celebrating two and a half centuries of freedom of conscience, the high-profile gathering brought together international diplomats, parliamentarians, religious leaders, and civil society advocates from around the globe.
Organized by the IRF Secretariat alongside international conveners including the Alliance of Virtue and the Good Faith Partnership, the two-day forum spotlighted transformative leaders advancing freedom of religion or belief under high-risk environments. Presenting the Courage Award on behalf of the IRF Roundtable community, board member Simran Stuel praised Mirza’s persistent frontline advocacy, emphasizing his willingness to organize and lead multi-faith coalitions across Pakistan despite intense personal risk and grave security challenges.
Accepting the accolade before the international assembly, Kashif Mirza dedicated the honor to the grassroots activists and diverse religious communities who form the backbone of the movement across Pakistan.
“Every person is born with the freedom to liberty, life, and to practice their conscience,” said Mirza during his acceptance address. “When this freedom is protected, societies flourish; when it is denied, societies suffocate and hate prevails. I accept this award not for myself, but for all the religious freedom warriors across Pakistan, every roundtable member in 20 cities who works courageously without fear and stands up for the rights of others.”
Expanding Grassroots Infrastructure Across 20 Cities
For over 15 years, Kashif Mirza has served as the central architect in establishing local mechanisms for interfaith engagement and equal citizenship in Pakistan. Under his leadership, IRF Roundtable Pakistan has expanded from a central initiative into a robust national network featuring active chapters across 20 cities. The platform provides an inclusive, non-partisan space where leaders from Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Ahmadi, Baha'i, and other faith backgrounds gather alongside legal experts, journalists, and civic advocates.
By maintaining an unyielding commitment to neutrality and mutual respect, Mirza and his colleagues have transformed local conflicts into structured dialogues, bridging the divide between vulnerable grassroots communities and state institutions. Accompanying Mirza in Washington were prominent Pakistani coalition leaders, including Pastor Shaheed and Imam Sajjad, illustrating the tangible multi-faith unity fostered by the network. Mirza also paid special tribute to Anila Ali, founder of the American Muslim Multifaith Women's Empowerment Council (AMMWEC) and IRF Roundtable Co-Chair, for her steadfast support and shared vision.
“Our greatest achievement has been taking the conversation on religious freedom beyond conference halls, reaching the grassroots level, engaging legislators, and building enduring bridges between state and civil society,” Mirza emphasized. “We are creating a space where diversity becomes Pakistan’s greatest source of national strength.”
Driving National Legislation and Defending the Vulnerable
The conferral of the Courage Award highlights significant policy and legislative victories achieved through Kashif Mirza’s sustained advocacy. The coalition played an instrumental role in championing the passage of Pakistan's landmark National Commission for Minorities Rights Bill in Parliament, securing formal statutory mechanisms to protect minority interests. Currently, Mirza and his coalition are actively driving state-level legislative initiatives to enact enforceable anti-forced conversion laws equipped with effective legal protections for vulnerable young women and children from religious minority backgrounds.
Mirza’s leadership has also been defined by immediate, principled action during periods of acute national crisis. Following the violent mob attacks on Christian churches and homes in Jaranwala in August 2023, Mirza and his partners mobilized immediately, demanding judicial accountability, government rehabilitation, and protection for displaced families. Standing fearlessly on the frontlines while mainstream attention subsided, Mirza and IRF Roundtable Pakistan remained on the ground, advocating for affected citizens and monitoring legal follow-through.
Honored Alongside a Distinguished Cohort of Global Champions
The America 250 IRF Awards honored a multi-sectoral cohort of international pioneers who have significantly shaped the global religious freedom landscape. Alongside Mirza, top honors were conferred upon Ambassador Robert Seiple, the first U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom; Dr. Félix Ulloa Jr., Vice President of El Salvador; and Senator Lucio Malan of the Italian Senate. Prominent civil society awards were presented to human rights defenders Christina Arriaga, Kelsey Zorzi (ADF International), and Dr. Mehmet Saracoglu. The forum also recognized private-sector and philanthropic trailblazers, including Suhail Khan (Microsoft), Chloe Levinsky (Anthropic), Satnam Kaur, and philanthropic strategist Christopher Stewart, alongside former Chinese prisoner of conscience Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri and his daughter Grace Jin Drexel, underscoring the collective strength required to defend conscience worldwide.
Pakistani delegation to America 250 IRF Builder Awards included Anila Ali, Founder of the American Muslim Multifaith Women's Empowerment Council (AMMWEC) and IRF Roundtable Co-Chair; senior journalist and international analyst Wajid Ali Syed; prominent coalition leaders Imam Sajjad and Pastor Shaheed; alongside other key advocates of minority rights.
Honoring the Memory of Slain Champions and Continuing the Mission
The Washington ceremony served as a solemn reminder of the high cost paid by human rights defenders in South Asia. During his address, Mirza honored the memory of Pakistani journalist and IRF Roundtable member Imtiaz Mir, who was assassinated in Karachi in September 2025 by armed gunmen shortly after advocating for interfaith peace and regional reconciliation at the global roundtable. Mirza also paid tribute to late founding member Seema Kasim, reaffirming that such sacrifices only strengthen the coalition’s resolve to continue its vital work.
The ceremony coincided with the broader launch of the Civil Society Collaborative at the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill, designed to foster multi-sectoral partnerships between civil society, corporate entities, philanthropists, and international policymakers. Conference organizers praised Mirza’s visionary grassroots model as the gold-standard example of how localized engagement can yield long-term institutional stability.
In his concluding remarks, Mirza reiterated that international accolades must translate into continued protection for ordinary citizens living on the frontlines.
“Religious freedom is not merely a right or a political agenda; it is the fundamental foundation of peace, justice, and human dignity,” Mirza stated. “We will continue this work until every citizen in Pakistan, regardless of their faith or belief, can live, worship, and contribute to society with complete security and equal dignity under the law.”
About IRF Roundtable Pakistan
The International Religious Freedom (IRF) Roundtable Pakistan is a non-partisan, multi-faith network of civil society organizations, community leaders, and human rights defenders operating across 20 cities in Pakistan. Dedicated to advancing freedom of religion or belief, interfaith dialogue, and equal citizenship, the platform engages grassroots leaders and government officials to build an inclusive society rooted in constitutional guarantees for all.
Social Media Caption:
A historic moment for Pakistan! 🇵🇰 IRF Roundtable Director Kashif Mirza has been honored with the America 250 IRF Courage Award at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., recognizing his 15 years of fearless leadership in building multi-faith roundtables across 20 cities and driving landmark minority rights legislation. Dedicated to the memory of fallen peacebuilders and the vision of equal citizenship, this global accolade cements Kashif Mirza's status as Pakistan’s foremost champion of religious freedom on the world stage. #ReligiousFreedom #InterfaithHarmony #IRFRoundtable #KashifMirza #Pakistan #America250
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Kashif Mirza Accorded Hero's Welcome
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE • July 24, 2026 • Karachi, Pakistan
PAKISTAN’S PREEMINENT MINORITY RIGHTS CHAMPION KASHIF MIRZA ACCORDED HERO’S WELCOME AT KARACHI AIRPORT FOLLOWING HISTORIC AMERICA 250 IRF COURAGE AWARD WIN IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
Director of IRF Roundtable Pakistan Touches Down at Jinnah International Airport Alongside Distinguished Delegation, Reaffirming Commitment to Multi-Faith Harmony, Statutory Protections, and Grassroots Action Across 20 Cities
Kashif Mirza and the Pakistani delegation receive an enthusiastic welcome at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi.
July 24, 2026 KARACHI, PAKISTAN — Muhammad Kashif Mirza, widely celebrated as Pakistan’s undisputed champion and foremost defender of religious freedom, received a resounding and emotional welcome upon his return to Pakistan at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi. Returning from Washington, D.C., where he was formally conferred the prestigious America 250 International Religious Freedom (IRF) Courage Award 2026 at the Museum of the Bible, Mirza was greeted by an enthusiastic gathering of civil society leaders, multi-faith scholars, legal experts, and human rights activists.
The high-profile reception at the airport marked a celebrated homecoming for Mirza and the distinguished Pakistani delegation that accompanied him to the United States. The delegation—which spotlighted the strength and unity of Pakistan’s interfaith movement on the global stage—included Anila Ali, Founder of the American Muslim Multifaith Women's Empowerment Council (AMMWEC) and IRF Roundtable Co-Chair; senior journalist and international analyst Wajid Ali Syed; prominent coalition leaders Imam Sajjad and Pastor Shaheed; alongside other key advocates of minority rights.
Addressing news media and supporters gathered at the arrivals terminal, Kashif Mirza expressed deep gratitude and dedicated the international honor to the frontline peacebuilders across Pakistan who risk their lives daily for equal citizenship and freedom of conscience.
“This award does not belong to me alone—it belongs to every religious freedom warrior, every chapter member in 20 cities across Pakistan, and every minority family that has stood firm in the face of adversity,” declared Mirza upon his arrival. “Taking our message from the grassroots of Pakistan to the halls of Washington, D.C., has demonstrated that our diversity is not a weakness, but our nation's greatest source of strength. We return home with renewed vigor to ensure that every citizen, regardless of faith, lives with safety, justice, and equal dignity under the law.”
Unifying Pakistani Voices on the World Stage
During the America 250 IRF Peacebuilders Forum in Washington, D.C.—hosted as part of the official 250th anniversary commemorations of freedom of conscience—Mirza and his delegation delivered a powerful message of multi-faith solidarity. The presence of Christian, Muslim, and civic leaders side-by-side in D.C. demonstrated the operational strength of the 20-city chapter network constructed by Mirza over the past 15 years.
Highlighting the strategic impact of the delegation, IRF Roundtable Co-Chair Anila Ali emphasized that Mirza’s recognition reflects a transformative shift in South Asian civil society advocacy.
“Kashif Mirza has built an unprecedented bridge between grassroots vulnerable communities, lawmakers, and international diplomatic platforms,” stated Anila Ali. “Seeing our delegation stand united in Washington was a proud moment for Pakistan. It showed the world that Pakistani civil society is actively leading from the front to protect religious minorities and defend human dignity.”
Senior journalist Wajid Ali Syed and delegation members Imam Sajjad and Pastor Shaheed also noted that Mirza’s global honor brings crucial international backing to local Pakistani legislative and peacebuilding initiatives, establishing a gold-standard model for localized conflict resolution.
Translating Global Recognition into Local Action
The conferral of the America 250 IRF Courage Award spotlights major legislative and frontline victories spearheaded by Kashif Mirza in Pakistan, including:
The National Commission for Minorities Rights Bill: Mirza served as the primary catalyst driving the historic passage of this statutory bill through Parliament, establishing binding legal machinery to protect constitutional minority guarantees.
Anti-Forced Conversion Legislation: Leading ongoing state-level policy campaigns to enact enforceable legal safeguards, judicial oversight, and protective protocols for young women and children from religious minority backgrounds.
Jaranwala Mob Attack Emergency Response: Mobilizing immediate relief, legal support, and persistent long-term judicial monitoring following the August 2023 mob violence against Christian homes and churches in Jaranwala.
During his address in Washington, Mirza also paid solemn tribute to fallen peacebuilders, dedicating the award to the memory of slain Pakistani journalist and IRF Roundtable member Imtiaz Mir, who was assassinated in Karachi in September 2025, and late founding member Seema Kasim.
Continuing the Mission for Equal Citizenship
Following their arrival in Karachi, Kashif Mirza and the IRF Roundtable leadership will convene national strategy sessions with regional chapter leads across all 20 cities. The coalition plans to build upon the momentum generated by the launch of the Civil Society Collaborative on Capitol Hill during the Washington summit, expanding localized monitoring, legal aid networks, and parliamentary advocacy.
“Our work is far from complete,” Mirza concluded at Jinnah International Airport. “We will continue to engage state institutions, support frontline victims, and champion legislative reforms until the constitutional promise of equal rights is a lived reality for every citizen in Pakistan.”
About IRF Roundtable Pakistan
The International Religious Freedom (IRF) Roundtable Pakistan is an inclusive, non-partisan, multi-faith coalition of civil society organizations, community leaders, legal experts, and human rights defenders operating across 20 cities in Pakistan. Directed by Kashif Mirza, the network advances freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), legal equality, and constitutional guarantees for all citizens regardless of faith.
Social Media Caption:
A triumphant homecoming for Pakistan’s premier minority rights champion! 🇵🇰 IRF Roundtable Director Kashif Mirza was accorded a hero’s welcome at Jinnah International Airport Karachi alongside delegates Anila Ali, Wajid Ali Syed, Imam Sajjad, and Pastor Shaheed after receiving the America 250 IRF Courage Award in Washington, D.C. Returning with renewed resolve, Mirza dedicated the global accolade to local frontline activists across 20 cities as the coalition continues its vital fight for equal citizenship and statutory protections. #KashifMirza #IRFRoundtable #ReligiousFreedom #Pakistan #InterfaithHarmony #Karachi
