The IRF Award of Courage is a symbol of hope and resilience — most especially in these times when religious freedom and individual liberty are threatened, above all in conflict zones. Kashif Mirza is a leader who chose to stand for freedom and peace, and to endorse the American values of democracy and justice. America has always supported its ambassadors everywhere in the world, and receiving this award on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of independence is a great honour and an inspiration to us all.

Pakistan’s interfaith community was celebrated on the international stage this week as Kashif Mirza, a Karachi-based human rights activist and Director of the IRF Roundtable Pakistan, received a prestigious International Religious Freedom Award as part of the America 250 commemorations — honoring individuals and organizations advancing freedom of conscience worldwide.

The ceremony, held before an audience of diplomats, religious leaders, and interfaith advocates, recognized Mirza’s years of grassroots work defending the rights of religious minorities and promoting dialogue across Pakistan’s diverse faith communities. His award places Pakistan’s local interfaith movement alongside a growing global network of religious freedom advocates recognized under the America 250 banner.

A Tribute Grounded in Community

In his acceptance remarks, Mirza framed the award not as a personal achievement but as recognition of a wider movement — the volunteers and local roundtable participants across Pakistan who have worked, often quietly and without acclaim, to advance religious freedom and human dignity in their communities.

He extended his gratitude to a long list of collaborators, beginning with Dr. Anila Ali, Founder and President of the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council (AMMWEC) and Co-Chair of the IRF Roundtable Pakistan, whom he credited with making the roundtable’s work possible.

Mirza also thanked Greg Mitchell, Founder and CEO of the IRF Secretariat, for building a platform that has allowed roundtables such as Pakistan’s to grow and make measurable impact, and acknowledged Simran, President of the IRF Secretariat, along with the Secretariat’s co-chairs.

He also thanked his parents for teaching him that faith is best measured by how one treats those who believe differently, and his wife and children for sustaining him through years of advocacy work.