TP Report
Washington, DC: The American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council (AMMWEC) hosted an Interfaith International Religious Freedom (IRF) Roundtable Pakistan Conference on Capitol Hill, bringing together Christian, Jewish, Sikh, and Muslim leaders to address religious freedom challenges in Pakistan.
The event highlighted the concerns of religious minorities and emphasized the importance of bipartisan and interfaith collaboration to protect human rights. Minority leaders from Pakistan, including Christian and Sikh representatives, called for stronger protections, accountability, and equal rights.
Pastor Mark Burns, Spiritual Advisor to former U.S. President Donald J. Trump, delivered a keynote address, praising faith leaders advocating for religious liberty. He offered prayers for Pakistan and its minority communities, including Pakistanis living abroad, and underscored the role of faith leaders as “spiritual diplomats” promoting peace, justice, and the voiceless. Pastor Burns also announced his plan to visit Pakistan in April.
The conference opened with interfaith prayers led by Sheikh Esref Effendi, Evangelist Joel Amir Sahotra, Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt, and Sikh leader Simran Singh, symbolizing unity and interfaith harmony.
Kashif Mirza, Director of IRF Roundtable Pakistan, highlighted the ongoing plight of Christian victims of the Jaranwala attacks, calling for urgent action and compensation. Pakistani parliamentarian Ahmad Karim Kundi reaffirmed his commitment to protecting minority rights and ensuring equal protections for all citizens.
Other notable speakers included Pakistani Christian leaders Samuel Piyara and Parvez Paul Rafiq, AMMWEC executive and women’s policy analyst Maira Zamir, and Sikh leader Simran Singh. Discussions centered on safeguarding vulnerable communities, empowering women, countering extremism, and promoting human dignity across religious lines.
AMMWEC reiterated its mission to amplify moderate Muslim women’s voices, build global coalitions, and advance religious freedom, interfaith dialogue, and peaceful coexistence worldwide.
