International Day of Peace 2026: I-LAP and IRF-PBF Pakistan Bring Faith Leaders Together from Dialogue to Action

Islamabad, Pakistan — September 22, 2026: The Interfaith League Against Poverty (I-LAP) and the International Religious Freedom–Peace Builders Forum Pakistan (IRF-PBF Pakistan) marked the International Day of Peace 2026 with a gathering bringing together faith leaders, parliamentarians, government representatives, retired military officers, academics, civil society representatives, women, youth and media.

Held under the theme “From Dialogue to Action”, the event focused on transforming dialogue into research, policy engagement and practical recommendations aimed at strengthening peace, religious freedom, human dignity, equality and mutual respect.

From Dialogue to Action

Chairman I-LAP and IRF-PBF Pakistan Sajid Sandhu emphasized that peace must go beyond the absence of conflict and remain rooted in human dignity, equality and mutual respect. He highlighted religious freedom as an essential element of sustainable peace and referred to the constitutional protections provided under Article 20 of the Constitution of Pakistan as well as Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“Our objective is not confrontation but cooperation,” Sandhu said, stressing the importance of bringing together collective wisdom and practical experience to develop workable recommendations for policymakers, parliamentarians and state institutions.

“This is our next step from dialogue to action,” Sandhu said, while expressing appreciation to Greg Mitchell, Founder and Chairman of the IRF Secretariat, Washington, for his support.

Nazia Ansari, Executive Director of I-LAP and Vice Chairperson IRF-PBF Pakistan, highlighted the importance of continuity and practical action in peacebuilding efforts.

Working Groups and IRF Roundtable

As part of its next phase, IRF-PBF Pakistan announced four thematic working groups focusing on:

• Research and Public Policy
• Government and Parliamentary Engagement
• Religious Freedom, Law and Policy Reform
• Interfaith Relations and Peacebuilding

Through these Working Groups and the IRF Roundtable, the initiative aims to encourage faith leaders, women, youth and civil society to become active partners in building a peaceful, inclusive and respectful society.

The speakers also highlighted constitutional protections, shared values of compassion and dignity, and the importance of greater interfaith cooperation.

Collaboration for Peace and Religious Freedom

During the occasion, I-LAP also entered into collaboration with the Islamic Research Institute (IRI), International Islamic University Islamabad, supporting continued research and dialogue on religious freedom, peacebuilding and interfaith relations.

The event brought together participants from diverse religious, professional and social backgrounds, providing an opportunity for meaningful discussion and collective reflection on the role of faith communities and civil society in advancing peace.

Media Coverage

The International Day of Peace 2026 event received coverage in Pakistani newspapers, highlighting the participation of faith leaders and civil society representatives and the initiative’s focus on moving from dialogue towards practical action.

Event Videos

Highlights and proceedings from the International Day of Peace 2026 event are available below:

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Interfaith League Against Poverty (I-LAP)
Pakistan

International Religious Freedom – Peace Builders Forum Pakistan (IRF-PBF Pakistan)