Sajid Sandhu, President, Interfaith League Against Poverty-US (I-LAP), was invited as guest speaker at the conference on “Religious Freedom, Minority Rights and Human Rights in India, Pakistan, China and the United States,” held on April 28, 2026 at Patrick Henry College in Purcellville, Virginia, co-hosted by Patrick Henry College and All Neighbors International, bringing together people advancing human rights and interfaith understanding.
In his presentation on the current challenges to religious freedom in Pakistan, Sajid Sandhu offered a balanced and thoughtful perspective. He acknowledged the progress Pakistan has made over the past 78 years, highlighting initiatives like the National Commission for Minority Rights, reserved seats for religious minorities in the Senate, efforts to prevent misuse of blasphemy laws, promotion of interfaith harmony, restoration of places of worship, and recent legislative steps addressing forced conversions.
Reflecting on the country’s foundation, he recalled Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision of a democratic state rooted in religious freedom, equality, rule of law, and justice for all citizens. He noted that significant gaps remain between constitutional guarantees and their implementation, pointing to weak enforcement, limited political will, and persistent disparities between principle and practice.
Looking ahead, he emphasized the need for political reforms, stronger implementation mechanisms, greater engagement with parliamentarians and religious leaders to reduce bias and protect vulnerable communities. He stressed that inclusive governance, with minorities actively involved in decision-making, is essential for lasting progress.
He concluded by noting that rights written into law hold little value without the collective commitment to uphold them.
