September 21, 2026
From Dialogue to Action
IRF Peace Builders Forum Pakistan marks the International Day of Peace 2026 with a gathering of faith leaders, government representatives, parliamentarians, retired military officers, civil society representatives, academics, researchers, women, youth, media professionals and other stakeholders committed to advancing religious freedom, interfaith harmony, human dignity, equal citizenship and peaceful coexistence in Pakistan.
I-LAP Celebrates International Day of Peace and Launches IRF-PBF Pakistan Roundtable
Organized around the theme “From Dialogue to Action,” the gathering emphasized transforming dialogue and consultation into research, policy engagement and practical recommendations.
Young voices, personal commitments and a culture of peace
The first half of the event was dedicated to celebrating Peace Day. The activities were enjoyed by all participants and encouraged everyone to reflect on what they could personally do to contribute to a more peaceful Pakistan.
The Youth Peace Pitch was particularly appreciated, as young participants confidently expressed their views on what one change they would make for peace if they had the power to do so.
Peace Tree — “Peace begins with me.”
As part of the Peace Day activities, participants were invited to identify one practical act of peace they would undertake in their homes, workplaces, communities, or for Pakistan. They recorded their personal commitment on a “My Act of Peace” card, reflecting the message that “Peace begins with me.” The cards were then placed on a specially created “Peace Tree,” symbolizing the collective commitment to turn the vision of peace into meaningful action.
Leaders and voices at the gathering.
Sajid Sandhu
Chairman I-LAP-PAK; President I-LAP-USA; Chairman International Religious Freedom–Peace Builders Forum–Pakistan and South Asia
Nazia Ansari
Executive Director I-LAP Pakistan; Vice Chairperson International Religious Freedom–Peace Builders Forum–Pakistan and South Asia
Greg Mitchell
Founder & CEO, Board Chairman, International Religious Freedom Secretariat; Co-Chair, International Religious Freedom Roundtable
Distinguished Guest Speakers
- Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akram — Director General, Islamic Research Institute, International Islamic University, Islamabad
- Greg Mitchell — Founder & CEO, Board Chairman, International Religious Freedom Secretariat; Co-Chair, International Religious Freedom Roundtable
Peace Day & Forum
- Theme: “From Dialogue to Action”
- Peace messages from faith leaders and civil society representatives
- Launch of the IRF-PBF Pakistan Roundtable
Messages for Peace from Faith Leaders & Civil Society
Faith leaders and civil society representatives shared messages reflecting the importance of peace, compassion, respect, coexistence, interfaith harmony and practical action. YouTube links will be added as they are provided.
Sebastian Justin
Pakistan Program Coordinator, Kerk in Actie & ICCO · VIDEO LINK TO BE ADDED
Pundit Rakesh Chand
Chair and Founder, Pakistan Sanatan Dharam · Hindu Representative · VIDEO LINK TO BE ADDED
Rev. Samson Sohail
Chairman, United Council of Churches · Christian Representative · VIDEO LINK TO BE ADDED
Ghulam Murtaza
Founder & CEO, SDGs Consultants, Islamabad · VIDEO LINK TO BE ADDED
David Paul
Executive Director, Agape · VIDEO LINK TO BE ADDED
Arif James
Executive Director, Aaj Foundation · VIDEO LINK TO BE ADDED
Agha Muhammad Hassan Askari
Muslim Representative · VIDEO LINK TO BE ADDED
Five Thematic Working Groups
As part of the next phase of IRF-PBF Pakistan, the Forum announced five thematic Working Groups that will bring together people from diverse religious, professional and institutional backgrounds to contribute research, experience and recommendations on religious freedom, equal citizenship, interfaith relations and peaceful coexistence.
1 · Research & Public Policy
Bringing together research and policy perspectives to strengthen evidence-based understanding and recommendations.
2 · Government & Parliamentary Engagement
Creating space for constructive engagement with government institutions and parliamentarians on issues relevant to religious freedom and peaceful coexistence.
3 · Religious Freedom, Law & Policy Reform
Examining legal and policy questions related to religious freedom and identifying practical areas for constructive reform.
4 · Interfaith Relations & Peacebuilding
Promoting dialogue, mutual understanding, cooperation and practical peacebuilding among communities.
5 · Youth, Women & Community Leadership
Engaging youth, women and community leaders as active partners in building a peaceful and inclusive society.
Building a platform for research, policy engagement and practical recommendations.
It was emphasized that the Forum would focus on the gaps between the rights guaranteed under Article 20 of the Constitution of Pakistan concerning religious freedom and the realities experienced on the ground. Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, concerning freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, would remain an important point of reference.
Through the Working Groups and the IRF-PBF Pakistan Roundtable, I-LAP seeks to engage faith leaders, women, youth, researchers, policymakers, and civil society as active partners in building a peaceful and inclusive society. The Forum is envisioned as a meaningful platform for research, policy engagement, and practical recommendations that can contribute positively to Pakistan.
From discussion to practical concerns
Following extensive discussion, members of the five Working Groups expressed broad support for the establishment of the IRF-PBF Pakistan, while also raising the following observations and points of concern:
1 · Support from IRF-USA
One important question was the extent to which IRF-USA would support the IRF-PBF Pakistan in addressing these issues and advancing efforts for legislative reform.
2 · Credible, Evidence-Based Research
Researchers highlighted that research does not always reflect ground realities. Findings may be altered, suppressed, or removed altogether, resulting in reports that fail to present an accurate picture and consequently lead to projects and programs that do not adequately respond to the needs of the communities they are intended to serve. Participants pointed to vested interests and other factors that can obstruct meaningful development. The need for credible, evidence-based research and for translating dialogue into practical policy recommendations grounded in reality was strongly emphasized.
3 · Education and Employment Gaps
In discussions on forced marriages and related issues, civil society representatives working in Christian settlements highlighted the educational and employment gap between Christian boys and girls. They noted that many Christian girls are becoming educated and skilled, while a lack of educational and employment opportunities for Christian boys can make it difficult for them to find suitable matches within their community.
4 · Child Rights and Parental Responsibility
Academics emphasized the urgent need to educate mothers about child rights and their responsibilities towards their children. They raised concerns about the lack of adequate mechanisms to monitor and address how children are treated within families and called for greater parental responsibility and accountability.
5 · The Role of Faith Leaders
Academics also stressed that faith leaders have a vital role in promoting peace and interfaith harmony by drawing upon and emphasizing the values of peace, compassion, respect, and coexistence found within religious scriptures and traditions. Such messages are more likely to resonate with people when they come from within their own faith traditions. It was observed that despite numerous seminars and discussions on human rights, peacebuilding, and peaceful coexistence, these messages often do not reach or resonate deeply with the wider public. Faith leaders can therefore play a powerful role in taking the message of peace from the conference room to the wider community.
“From Dialogue to Action”International Day of Peace 2026 · IRF Peace Builders Forum–Pakistan
International Day of Peace · September 2026
From Dialogue to Action
Through the International Religious Freedom–Peace Builders Forum Pakistan, I-LAP seeks to build trust, strengthen relationships, promote religious freedom and interfaith harmony, and contribute to a more peaceful, inclusive, just and prosperous Pakistan.