Washington, DC: The American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council (AMMWEC) hosted an Interfaith International Religious Freedom (IRF) Roundtable Pakistan Conference on Capitol Hill, bringing together Christian, Jewish, Sikh and Muslim leaders to highlight religious freedom concerns in Pakistan and amplify the voices of minority communities.

The conference focused on challenges faced by religious minorities in Pakistan and underscored the importance of bipartisan and interfaith cooperation in addressing human rights and freedom of belief. Minority leaders from Pakistan, including Christian and Sikh representatives, spoke at the event, calling for greater protection, accountability and equal rights.

A key highlight was the address by Pastor Mark Burns, Spiritual Advisor to US President Donald J. Trump, who praised faith leaders advocating for religious liberty and solidarity across religious and ethnic lines. In an emotional message, Pastor Burns emphasized shared humanity and pledged support for the freedom of belief of persecuted communities.

During the event, Pastor Burns offered prayers for Pakistan and its minorities, including Pakistanis living abroad, and spoke about peace in conflict-affected regions. He also announced that he plans to visit Pakistan in April, describing faith leaders as “spiritual diplomats” with a responsibility to advocate for peace, justice and the voiceless.

The conference opened with interfaith prayers led by Sheikh Esref Effendi, Evangelist Joel Amir Sahotra, Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt and Sikh faith leader Simran Singh, symbolizing unity and interfaith harmony.

Kashif Mirza, Director of the IRF Roundtable Pakistan, drew attention to the unresolved plight of Christian victims of the Jaranwala attacks, noting that many families are still awaiting compensation to rebuild their homes, churches and livelihoods. He called for urgent action and accountability.

Pakistani parliamentarian Ahmad Karim Kundi also addressed the gathering, reaffirming his support for religious minorities and stressing the responsibility of lawmakers to ensure equal rights and protections for all citizens.

Other speakers included Pakistani Christian leaders Samuel Piyara and Parvez Paul Rafiq, AMMWEC executive and women and gender policy analyst Maira Zamir, and Sikh leader Simran Singh. Speakers highlighted the need to protect vulnerable communities, empower women, counter extremism and uphold human dignity across religious lines.

AMMWEC reiterated its commitment to promoting moderate Muslim women’s voices and building global coalitions to advance religious freedom, interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence.