20th International Human Rights Summit 2026

Mr. Sajid Sandhu, President I-LAP-US and Chairman IRF PBF-Pakistan & South Asia represented I-LAP at the 20th International Human Rights Summit 2026, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Organized by Youth for Human Rights International, under the inspiring theme, “Education for Peace.” One of the memorable moments of the Summit was Mr. Sandhu’s meeting with Ms. Tebogo Joy Ngoma, granddaughter of the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Archbishop Tutu is remembered for his courageous leadership in advancing human rights, justice, reconciliation, and peace. Ms. Ngoma is the founder of Brave Hearts for Multimedia.

International Religious Freedom-America 250

Mr. Sajid Sandhu, President I-LAP-US/Pak and Chairman IRF PBF-Pakistan & South Asia announced the launch of the International Religious Freedom Peace Builders Forum–Pakistan, during presentation at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C. Sharing the vision behind the initiative, Mr. Sandhu emphasized that lasting peace begins with dialogue, mutual respect, and a genuine willingness to listen. Rather than allowing differences to divide us, the Forum seeks to build on common ground and bring people and institutions together around shared values of dignity, justice, and peaceful coexistence. The initiative is firmly grounded in Pakistan’s constitutional framework, particularly Article 20 and Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

I-LAP at the IRF Roundtable in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Sajid Sandhu, President I-LAP-US and Chairman IRF PBF-Pakistan & South Asia, attended the IRF Roundtable in Washington, D.C. The roundtable brought together leaders and advocates working to advance international religious freedom, with a focus on strengthening collaboration between the U.S. Government, policymakers, civil society, and the global IRF network.

Discussions included updates from the State Department’s IRF Office, USCIRF, the IRF Secretariat, Congressional and Democracies Working Groups, as well as developments concerning India, Pakistan, Japan and South Korea, Qatar, Cuba, and the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. The gathering also featured a special briefing by Attorney John Lauro on a shared initiative addressing concerns surrounding the misuse of the federal forced-labor statute and its potential implications for religious and spiritual practice in the United States.

International Religious Freedom Summit Partners Dinner

Mr. Sajid Sandhu, President I-LAP-US/Pak and Chairman IRF PBF-Pakistan & South Asia, was honored to attend the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit Partners Dinner at the invitation of Ambassador Sam Brownback, former U.S. Senator, Governor of Kansas, and U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, and Ms. Katrina Lantos Swett, Co-Chair of the International Religious Freedom Summit.

I-LAP Presents an Award to Mr. Greg Mitchell

Mr. Sajid Sandhu, President, I-LAP-US/Pak and Chairman IRF PBF-Pakistan & South Asia, presented an award to Mr. Greg Mitchell, Founder & CEO and Board Chair of the IRF Secretariat and Co-Chair of the IRF Roundtable, on behalf of I-LAP-US/PAK, in recognition of his tireless efforts, dedicated leadership, and steadfast commitment to advancing international religious freedom. Following the launch of the International Religious Freedom Peace Builders Forum in the United States, I-LAP was selected to represent the Forum in Pakistan and lead the IRF PBF–Pakistan initiative, which was officially launched in Islamabad in August 2026. I-LAP is deeply grateful for Mr. Mitchell’s continued support, encouragement, and confidence in its peacebuilding work. The award is a heartfelt expression of I-LAP’s appreciation for his leadership, partnership, and continued encouragement.

International Religious Freedom Conference 2026 at University of District of Columbia, Washington DC

Mr. Sajid Sandhu, President I-LAP-US/Pakistan and Chairman IRF PBF-Pakistan & South Asia, attended the International Religious Freedom Conference Organized by University of District of Columbia, Washington DC., where he had the opportunity to meet with distinguished U.S. leaders and dignitaries. He met Col. (Retd.) Dave Beckwith, U.S. Air Force veteran and candidate for the U.S. Congress from Virginia’s 10th Congressional District. Their conversation provided an opportunity to exchange views on religious freedom, the challenges and opportunities in Pakistan, and the importance of strengthening U.S.–Pakistan relations in the years ahead.

Religious Freedom Peace Conference 2026

Mr. Sajid Sandhu, President I-LAP-US/Pakistan and Chairman IRF PBF-Pakistan & South Asia participated in the Religious Freedom Conference organized by Universal Peace Federation (UPF) in Washington D.C. These engagements provide valuable opportunities to build relationships and exchange perspectives on religious freedom. At the conference, he had the opportunity to meet Ambassador Randy Evans, former U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg (2018–2021).

Launching the IRF Peace Builders Forum–Pakistan

The International Religious Freedom–Peace Builders Forum Pakistan (IRF PBF–Pakistan), was officially launched in August 2026 in conjunction with Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day. It was a deeply meaningful milestone and Interfaith League Against Poverty is honored to have been selected by the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Peace Builders Forum to establish and lead this important initiative in Pakistan.

International Peace Day and Launch of IRF PBF-Pakistan Roundtable

The Interfaith League Against Poverty (I-LAP) and Peace Builders Forum Pakistan marked International Day of Peace 2026 under the theme “From Dialogue to Action,” bringing together diverse voices to turn dialogue and consultation into research, policy engagement, and practical recommendations.

Corporate Vision Global Business Award 2026

I-LAP is delighted to share another milestone in its journey, having been honored with the Corporate Vision Global Business Award 2026 as:

“Leaders in Community Leadership, Peacebuilding & Empowerment 2026 – Pakistan.”

The award, presented by Corporate Vision Magazine, UK, recognizes organizations making a meaningful contribution to their communities and driving positive change within their respective fields. This international recognition is a source of great encouragement for I-LAP and affirms our continued commitment to community empowerment, peacebuilding, interfaith collaboration, and creating opportunities for more inclusive and peaceful communities in Pakistan.

Empowering Women for Leadership, Peace and Community Development

Launched in June 2026, the Women Empowerment Program seeks to equip women from economically disadvantaged households with practical knowledge, awareness, and confidence to navigate everyday challenges. Issues that may seem simple to some can become overwhelming when women lack information, guidance, or opportunities to learn. Through this initiative, I-LAP aims to help women better understand their rights, make informed decisions, and respond to difficult situations with greater confidence.

To date, seven training sessions have been conducted by I-LAP-Pakistan in collaboration with I-LAP-US, with an encouraging response from participants. Several women have returned for additional sessions, reflecting their interest in learning and their appreciation of the opportunity to discuss issues that directly affect their lives.

Led by Nazia Ansari, Executive Director, I-LAP-Pakistan, the sessions cover practical topics including personal development, leadership, health and well-being, financial literacy, and family life. The emphasis is on sharing useful information in an accessible, welcoming environment where women feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their experiences.

Stress Management has proved particularly popular, with the session repeated three times to accommodate new participants. The training on Food and Nourishment was also well received, helping women better understand the importance of healthy food choices for themselves and their families.

Another much-appreciated session focused on Bridging the Generation Gap. Mothers shared how difficult it can be to understand and respond to the behaviour of teenagers. Learning about the emotional and hormonal changes that often accompany adolescence helped them see that mood swings, stubbornness, and challenging behaviour can be part of this stage of development. The discussion emphasized the importance of patience, continued affection, open communication, and consistent guidance in helping young people navigate these years.

Many participants have had limited access to formal education or training opportunities. For them, being part of the program is not simply about acquiring information; it is also an opportunity to be heard, ask questions without hesitation, and discover that learning remains possible at every stage of life.

Recognizing the practical challenges women may face in attending, I-LAP provides transportation to and from the training venue, along with refreshments at the end of each session.

Through this initiative, I-LAP hopes to continue creating a supportive space where women can learn from one another, build confidence, and gain practical skills that benefit not only themselves but also their families and communities.

Vacation Bible School

The success of I-LAP’s first five-day Vacation Bible School (VBS) in June 2026 sparked considerable interest among parents whose children had not been able to participate. Hearing their children’s stories and seeing how much they had learned and enjoyed in just five days, several parents requested that another session be arranged so their own children could have the same opportunity.

In response to this encouraging feedback, I-LAP organized a second five-day VBS program in early July, welcoming an entirely new group of children. The program provided a safe, welcoming environment where children could explore Bible stories, participate in prayer, learn through interactive sessions, and enjoy creative activities with their peers. The aim was not simply to teach biblical lessons, but also to help children understand how these teachings can shape their everyday choices, relationships, and behaviour.

Alongside Bible learning, the children participated in practical sessions on important aspects of personal development and well-being. Topics included Good Touch vs Bad Touch, personal hygiene, good nutrition, and ethical behaviour at home and school. These sessions helped introduce age-appropriate concepts of personal safety, healthy habits, respect, and responsibility. Rather than relying on lectures alone, Ms. Nazia Ansari, Executive Director I-LAP-Pakistan used group exercises, discussions, demonstrations, and interactive activities to help children understand the lessons and apply them in daily life.

Recognizing that transportation can be a challenge for families, I-LAP arranged transport for the participants, making it easier for parents to send their children and ensuring that travel was less of a barrier to participation.

The enthusiastic involvement of the children and the positive response from their parents made the second VBS another encouraging experience. The fact that a new group of families came forward after hearing about the first session reflected the program’s growing appeal and the trust parents placed in it.

For I-LAP, the two VBS sessions were a reminder that even a few days of meaningful engagement can leave a lasting impression. By combining biblical learning with practical life skills, the program offered children an opportunity to grow in faith, confidence, kindness, and respect for others in a caring and supportive environment.

I-LAP Peace Youth Club Summer Internship 2026

The 15-day I-LAP Peace Youth Club (PYC) Summer Internship, held from 15–31 July 2026, kept seven young Christian interns actively engaged in learning, reflection, service, and community interaction. The program combined practical training with meaningful exposure to issues affecting individuals and communities.

The first day of the I-LAP Peace Youth Club (PYC) Summer Internship 2026 began on a truly special note as it coincided with the birthday of our Chairman, Mr. Sajid Sandhu. Although he was joining us via Zoom, the occasion gave our interns a wonderful opportunity to meet the Chairman, hear about his vision, and share their own dreams and aspirations. He warmly encouraged the young participants to pursue lives of integrity, compassion, and service to humanity.

Celebrating his birthday together created a welcoming and joyful atmosphere. It also reflected one of I-LAP's core values—honoring and appreciating those who have dedicated their lives to serving others. Even across the miles, we were able to celebrate, offer our prayers, and express our gratitude for his leadership. Beginning the internship with a celebration made the interns feel genuinely welcomed and at home.

Over fifteen days, the interns participated in a wide range of training sessions covering peacebuilding and interfaith harmony, human rights and religious freedom, health and hygiene, substance-abuse awareness, community service through education, professional ethics, cybersecurity, and self-awareness and self-protection. The program was designed not only to broaden their knowledge but also to help them understand the challenges people face and how they can contribute positively to society.

Following their training in peacebuilding and interfaith harmony, the interns visited the Islamic Research Center at the International Islamic University Islamabad, where they interacted with Islamic scholars and learned about Islamic perspectives on faith, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence. They also visited Faisal Mosque, gaining an opportunity to learn about one of the country’s most prominent places of Muslim worship and its significance in religious and cultural life.

The session on substance-abuse awareness was complemented by a visit to a rehabilitation center. Counsellors explained the causes and consequences of substance abuse, the challenges of recovery, and the importance of support and understanding. The interns also had an opportunity to meet a person undergoing recovery, helping them appreciate the human realities behind addiction and the need to respond with compassion rather than judgment.

Community engagement was another important part of the internship. The interns visited a low-income settlement in Islamabad to listen to residents, understand their everyday challenges, and learn about their needs and priorities. They also volunteered at a community-run informal school, where they prepared handouts and posters and shared what they had learned through activities on hygiene awareness, healthy lifestyles, and peacebuilding.

The internship offered the young participants more than classroom learning. Through conversations, field visits, and practical service, they gained a deeper appreciation of different communities, developed empathy and useful life skills, and experienced how responsible citizenship begins with listening, understanding, and taking small but meaningful steps to help others.

Venus Tuition Centers: Supporting Education and Holistic Development

The Institute of Emerging Leaders (TiEL), in partnership with the Interfaith League Against Poverty (I-LAP), continues to provide free academic support through the Venus Tuition Centers to children from National Baptist Church of Pakistan (NBCP) congregations, neighboring churches, and surrounding communities. The centers offer homework assistance, academic guidance, and exam preparation in a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment. Attendance was relatively low during the summer vacation period, as many families were away or children were engaged in holiday activities. Nevertheless, the centers remained operational and continued to support the students who attended. As part of the children’s learning and community activities, the students also celebrated Pakistan’s Independence Day with enthusiasm.

Islamabad Declaration for Peace and Harmony

Ms. Nazia Ansari, Executive Director I-LAP-Pak and Vice Chairperson IRF PBF-Pakistan & South Asia, was invited as a panelist representing the Civil Society at the launch of the Islamabad Declaration for Peace and Harmony, organized by Muhammad Israr Madani, Founder & President, of the International Research Council for Religious Affairs (IRCRA). The keynote speakers were Dr. Qibla Ayaz, Member, Shariat Appellate Bench, Supreme Court of Pakistan, and Muhammad Adnan Qadri, Provincial Minister for Auqaf, Hajj, Religious and Minority Affairs, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

PROPOSED INTERVENTIONS FOR 2026

I-LAP-US is committed to supporting both the ongoing and future initiatives of I-LAP Pakistan. Through strategic partnerships, resource mobilization, capacity building, and technical assistance, I-LAP-US will work alongside I-LAP Pakistan to strengthen its programs and expand its impact. This collaboration aims to advance education, poverty alleviation, peacebuilding, interfaith harmony, humanitarian assistance, community development, and other initiatives that empower vulnerable communities and promote sustainable social transformation.

I-LAP-PAK: The Institute of Emerging Leaders (TiEL) Montessori Section – Islamabad

I-LAP-Pakistan is preparing to establish a Montessori section at TiEL, in Islamabad, bringing quality early childhood education within reach of children from economically disadvantaged families. Building on the successful model of TiEL Lahore, the program will nurture young minds through meaningful learning experiences while fostering kindness, respect, responsibility, and a lifelong love of learning.