While the majority of Pakistanis practice Islam, since its inception in 1947 Pakistan has respected members of all faiths, including Christians, Hindus, Jews, Sikhs, and others, Ambassador Sheikh said
Ambassador Sheikh Hosts Faith Leaders for Interfaith Dialogue
By Elaine Pasquini
Washington: Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States, hosted a delegation of faith leaders, scholars, and community members at the Pakistan Embassy on February 6, 2025, to explore pathways for promoting closer interfaith relations through dialogue.
Jannah Scott, chief executive officer of the American Center for Religious Freedom (ACRF), led the delegation which included ACRF members Adnan Khan and Peggy Bilsten, along with Chaplain Gordon from Pray in Jesus’ Name; Nicole Sterling, vice president and chief relations officer of the Sterling Foundation, and Sophia Otasowie, director of programs at Olive Consulting International.
While the majority of Pakistanis practice Islam, since its inception in 1947 Pakistan has respected members of all faiths, including Christians, Hindus, Jews, Sikhs, and others, Ambassador Sheikh said. “Throughout our history, we have been a tolerant people with respect for faiths and the ways of life demonstrated across millennia. Our flag serves as a testament, reflecting minorities in its white color.”
Referring to the importance of co-existence and dialogue, Ambassador Sheikh underscored the significance of diplomacy in resolving conflicts, including religious discord.
“We need to come together and work together,” the ambassador stated. “Just coming together removes a good part of doubts and pre-conceived misgivings.”
The ambassador also noted: “Pakistan, as a nation-state, never shied away from engagement seeking solutions to global issues. Our priority is to build future identities based on commonalities, not differences.”
Jannah Scott expressed her appreciation to the ambassador for hosting the event and initiating engagement. She suggested collaborating further with the embassy to foster peace and harmony among various faiths.
The delegation also informed the ambassador about the proposal to hold a “Pakistan Peace and Harmony Gathering 2025” in Karachi aimed at promoting unity and harmony among Pakistan’s diverse religious communities.
Ambassador Sheikh offered his assistance and that of the embassy in preparation for this important event.
Sharing optimism for the future and sustained engagement with the delegation, in conclusion, the ambassador expressed his sincere gratitude to the group for visiting the embassy.
(Elaine Pasquini is a freelance journalist. Her reports appear in the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs and Nuze.Ink.)
