A Gathering of Spiritual Diplomats

In a room filled with faith leaders from across the world, one voice rang out with prophetic clarity. Addressing the gathering, Hon. Pastor Mark Burns, Spiritual Advisor to President Donald J. Trump, declared a message that would resonate far beyond the halls of Capitol Hill:

Pastor Burns introduced a powerful concept to the gathering: spiritual diplomats—those who work behind the scenes to end conflicts by transcending political, racial, and religious divisions. He emphasized seeing each other as fellow human beings rather than through the lens of religion or ethnicity.

The Pakistani Delegation: Bearing Witness

Faith leaders, civil rights advocates, and clergy from Pakistan—Christian, Muslim, Sikh, and Hindu—traveled to the United States to attend the IRF Summit and the National Prayer Breakfast, bearing witness to Pakistan’s multifaith reality and the urgent need to protect religious freedom in one of the world’s most challenging environments for minority communities.

The gathering was masterfully led by Ms. Seemab Asif, a Pakistani Christian faith leader with AMMWEC, who served as Mistress of Ceremonies. In her opening remarks, she expressed deep emotional solidarity with those who have stood witness to the suffering and struggles faced by minority communities, particularly women, in Pakistan.

A Spiritual Ambassador for the Persecuted

A deeply moving moment came when Samuel Payara, the courageous advocate representing the Christian victims of the Jaranwala attacks, addressed the gathering. In that horrific incident, violent mobs burned and destroyed dozens of Christian churches and homes following false blasphemy allegations.

In a powerful gesture that brought many to tears, Pastor Mark Burns blessed Samuel Payara as a “spiritual ambassador,” recognizing his moral leadership and unwavering commitment to justice for persecuted Christians. This blessing symbolized the sacred bond between American Christian leadership and Pakistani Christians suffering under persecution.

Pakistani Political Leadership Stands for Freedom

Also speaking was Ahmed Karim Kundi, Member of the Provincial Assembly (KP) from the Pakistan People’s Party, who reaffirmed his commitment to religious freedom and interfaith harmony in his province—sending a clear message that faith coexistence is possible in Pakistan.

In his remarks, Kundi invoked the legacy of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, a towering figure who preached and practiced nonviolence and peace even under violent oppression. He also honored the memory of Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan’s first female prime minister, who fought militancy and advocated religious and democratic freedoms, ultimately sacrificing her life.

Kundi concluded with poetic verses affirming belief in one God and the unity of humanity, urging adherence to nonviolence as the only path to peace. His presence demonstrated that not all Pakistani political leaders turn a blind eye to persecution—some are willing to stand for the oppressed.

Kashif Mirza: A Muslim Fighting for Pakistan’s Soul

Ms. Seemab Asif honored the tireless advocacy of Kashif Mirza, Director of IRF Roundtable Pakistan, describing his lifelong struggle for minority rights and justice across Pakistan. In her introduction, she painted a picture of a man whose courage and humility define his work.

For decades, Kashif has stood against child marriages, child abuse, and child labor. He has defended women’s rights and fought tirelessly for minority rights, especially for persecuted Christian communities. And for standing with the persecuted, he himself has faced persecution.

In his remarks, Kashif emphasized crucial challenges facing Pakistan’s religious minorities:

• 56% of children from religious minorities are out of school—a severe educational gap that perpetuates poverty and vulnerability
• Jaranwala victims still await compensation—houses, churches, and businesses destroyed, with Christian communities living in fear
• National Commission on Minority Rights approved but not operational—law passed but implementation delayed
• Child Marriage Restraint Act inconsistently implemented—different provinces define child marriage differently
• Fragmented minority leadership—limiting community progress and unity

But Kashif’s most powerful statement was this:

Interfaith Leaders Speak: From Sikh to Muslim Women

Dr. Surinder Singh Gil: Sikhism’s Universal Message

Dr. Surinder Singh Gil, Chairman of the International Forum USA and Sikh Ambassador of Peace, emphasized that while religions have different teachings, humanity is unified by the oneness of God. He criticized politicians who exploit religion for divisive politics and called on spiritual leaders to stand united for religious freedom.

He highlighted Sikhism’s foundational principles: Japna (meditation on God’s name), Kirat Karni (honest living through hard work), and Vand Chakna (sharing with others). He cited the Sikh tradition of langar (community kitchen) as an example of unity in diversity.

Maya: Pakistani Women as Peacebuilders

AMMWEC executive and women and gender policy analyst Maira Zamir, delivered powerful remarks about the often unrecognized role of Pakistani Muslim women in peacekeeping and peacebuilding. She painted a vivid picture:

Maya highlighted how Pakistani women, rooted in Islamic principles of Rahma (compassion), Adal (justice), and Aman (peace), serve as moral leaders, negotiators, and defenders of human dignity. Their work challenges stereotypes that portray Muslim women as passive or oppressed and instead highlights them as frontline peacebuilders.

Pastor Burns’s Call to Spiritual Diplomacy

Throughout the event, Pastor Mark Burns repeatedly emphasized the concept of “spiritual diplomats”—advocates who speak to the kings of the world, reminding them that power is bestowed not to enrich themselves but to lift up the voiceless.

He told the gathering about his upcoming visit to Pakistan in April, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and collective action to “declare freedom” and advance peace agendas. He also mentioned supporting 10,000 Buddhist monks marching from Texas to Washington, DC, on February 10th, symbolizing a global peace movement.

His core message was unity in diversity:

A Gesture of Love and Respect

In a touching cultural moment, Pastor Mark Burns was presented with a traditional Pakistani cap representing 5,000 years of Indus Valley civilization and Pakistan’s cultural heritage. This gesture symbolized the merging of spiritual diplomacy with cultural identity—American Christian leadership honoring Pakistani Muslim advocacy for persecuted Christians.

AMMWEC board members joined Pastor Burns for a group photo, signifying unity and bridge-building across faith communities.

The Message for America and the World

As Pastor Burns reminded the leaders present: “Those who hold power must use it to lift others up—to be advocates.”

The IRF Roundtable Pakistan event at Capitol Hill delivered several profound messages:

• Muslim advocates can and do stand courageously for persecuted Christians
• Interfaith solidarity is not just possible—it’s essential for peace
• American leadership must recognize and protect moderate Muslim voices fighting extremism
• Pakistani religious minorities need global advocates who won’t stay silent
• Women—especially Muslim women—are frontline peacebuilders who deserve recognition
• Spiritual diplomacy transcends politics and can unite what politicians divide

Looking Forward

The IRF Roundtable Pakistan event wasn’t just a gathering—it was a declaration. A declaration that religious freedom is worth fighting for. That persecuted minorities will not be forgotten. That moderate Muslim voices deserve protection and amplification. That interfaith unity is not weakness but strength.

As Pastor Burns prepares to visit Pakistan in April, as the “Faith Under Fire” documentary spreads awareness globally, as Pakistani advocates continue their dangerous work on the ground—the message is clear: