Karachi (TNS) Karachi Kashif Mirza, a Karachi-based internationally recognized human rights activist and country representative of the IRF Roundtable, has been honored with the International Award for Interfaith and Religious Freedom at a prestigious ceremony held in Washington, D.C.
Religious freedom remains a persistent challenge across South Asia. The U.S. Department of State, in its annual International Religious Freedom Report, designates Pakistan—along with countries such as Burma, China, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Nicaragua, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan—as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC).”
However, Pakistani officials have rejected this designation. A government spokesperson stated,
“Pakistan categorically rejects its designation as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ by the U.S. State Department. The designation is based on a biased and arbitrary assessment, detached from ground realities.”
Anila Ali, President of the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council (AMMWEC), commented: “There is no doubt that human rights remain a global challenge—particularly when it comes to the rights of religious minorities. Pakistan is gradually improving its indicators and making efforts to meet international standards, though much work remains.”
The award ceremony in Washington, D.C. brought together ten human rights defenders from various parts of the world. Speaking at the event, Kashif Mirza said: “It is a great honor to be here and to receive this award. Through our collective efforts, a new National Commission for the Protection of Minority Rights is in the process of being established. IRF Roundtable Pakistan has actively contributed to legislative efforts by engaging lawmakers from across political parties. These steps are promising signs of the Pakistani state’s commitment to minority rights.”
Greg Mitchell, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the IRF Roundtable, added: “It is encouraging to see positive developments emerging from Pakistan regarding the protection of religious minorities. As the IRF Secretariat, we fully support the Pakistan Desk and look forward to expanding engagement across South Asia.”
Caption :
Re-known Human rights Activists Kashif Mirza honored with the International Award for Interfaith and Religious Freedom at a prestigious ceremony held in Washington, D.C.on 01 August in a group photo with Greg Mitchell, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the IRF Roundtable and Anila Ali, President AMMWEC
