Pakistan Honored on Global Stage as Muhammad Kashif Mirza Receives International Religious Freedom Award

Report: Tabish Kafili

WASHINGTON, D.C. / KARACHI, Pakistan — Muhammad Kashif Mirza, Director of IRF Roundtable Pakistan and an internationally recognized human rights advocate, has received the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Award of Courage at the America 250 International Religious Freedom Peacebuilders Forum & Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C.

The award recognizes Mirza’s longstanding work to advance religious freedom, minority rights, interfaith dialogue, human dignity, and peaceful coexistence.

Mirza dedicated the honor to the people of Pakistan and to Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, and other faith communities working to promote tolerance, mutual respect, and social harmony.

“This recognition belongs to Pakistan’s courageous interfaith leaders, community volunteers, youth, women, scholars, and human rights defenders who work every day to build trust and understanding across religious communities.”

A special multi-faith delegation from Pakistan also participated in the America 250 events, representing diverse religious communities and highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to interfaith cooperation and dialogue.

The recognition was described as a significant achievement for Pakistan, highlighting the contribution of civil society and minority rights defenders to religious freedom, social cohesion, and peaceful coexistence.

Human rights activists, minority rights defenders, religious freedom advocates, and government representatives congratulated Mirza on the recognition.

Mirza expressed gratitude to Miss Ali, Co-Chair of IRF Roundtable Pakistan, and members of the Roundtable. He also thanked Imam Sajjad, Pastor Shahid, and Rashid Gill for representing Pakistan in Washington, D.C.

He acknowledged Greg Mitchell, Founder and CEO of the IRF Secretariat, and Simran Stuelpnagel, President of the IRF Secretariat, for their leadership in creating a global platform connecting governments, faith leaders, and civil society in support of freedom of religion or belief.

The award marks an important milestone for IRF Roundtable Pakistan, which works with religious leaders, government institutions, civil society organizations, youth, women, and international partners to promote religious freedom, equal citizenship, minority rights, social cohesion, and peaceful coexistence.

Mirza also expressed gratitude to his parents, wife, and children for their continued support throughout his public service.