The Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C., hosted its annual Interfaith Iftar
Dinner, bringing together government officials, diplomats, faith leaders, community
representatives and members of the media aimed at promoting peace, harmony and
mutual understanding among diverse faiths and cultures.
The event reaffirmed the shared commitment of different religious communities to
dialogue, coexistence and collective efforts toward global peace. A large and
distinguished gathering attended the occasion, including officials from the U.S.
Department of State, members of the diplomatic corps, spiritual leaders from multiple
faith traditions, representatives of the Pakistani American community and media
organizations.
A message from the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Asif Ali
Zardari, issued on the occasion of World Interfaith Harmony Week, was read to the
audience, underscoring the importance of interfaith cooperation and mutual respect in
addressing contemporary global challenges.
Faith leaders representing diverse religious traditions participated in the program,
including Daisaku Leslie, Director of Soka Gakkai International USA (SGI-USA); Daniel
Spiro, President of the Jewish Islamic Dialogue Society (JIDS); Dr. Alok Shrivastav,
representing the American Hindu Coalition and United Hindu Jain Temples of the DMV;
Surinder Singh Gill, Director of Sikhs of USA; Father Dan Rooney, Director of the Office
of Ecumenical and Inter-religious Affairs for the Catholic Diocese of Arlington and
Pastor at Saint Bernadette Catholic Church; and Imam Talib M. Shareef, President and
Imam of Masjid Muhammad, The Nation Mosque, among others.
Speakers collectively emphasized messages of peace, cohesion and harmony,
encouraging sustained interfaith dialogue as a pathway toward resolving global
conflicts. They highlighted the importance of moving beyond doctrinal differences and
addressing shared humanitarian challenges through unity and cooperation.
Addressing the gathering, Nicole Chulick, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary at
the U.S. Department of State, highlighted the partnership between Pakistan and the
United States in advancing peace and religious freedom.
“Pakistan’s engagement demonstrates the important role it can play in promoting
peace, not just in its own region but globally,” Chulick said. She also expressed
appreciation for Pakistan’s participation in the recently convened Board of Peace
initiative.
“The United States and Pakistan also share a commitment to security. Our
cooperation in this area remains strong. We have a common goal of keeping our people
safe,” she added.
In his remarks, Mark Walker, Principal Advisor on Global Religious Freedom at
the U.S. Department of State, described Iftar as a communal tradition that transcends
religious observance and strengthens unity across faith communities.
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“Tonight, many faiths are represented in this room, brought together by a shared
conviction that every person has dignity and every conscience deserves respect,”
Walker said.
Emphasizing the importance of unity and religious freedom, he added: “When
people of different belief systems choose unity over suspicion, communities grow
stronger. That kind of unity sends a powerful message and represents the solution the
world needs today.”
Mr. Walker also noted the evolving nature of U.S.-Pakistan relations, stressing
the importance of mutual respect and cultural engagement.
“The United States and Pakistan share a long relationship that continues to
evolve on upward trajectory. When we strengthen mutual respect, protect the rights of
religious communities and invest in cultural ties, both nations benefit,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States Rizwan
Saeed Sheikh described the gathering as a celebration of interfaith harmony and
highlighted Pakistan’s contributions to global interfaith diplomacy.
“Pakistan continues to play a leading role at the United Nations Human Rights
Council in advancing initiatives related to religious harmony, tolerance and freedom of
religion,” the ambassador said.
Underscoring the philosophy of acceptance, Ambassador Sheikh emphasized
moving beyond tolerance toward genuine mutual respect.
“Acceptance acknowledges our differences while affirming equal human rights for
all. It says: I am different, you are different, yet we share the same dignity and rights as
human beings,” he said.
Referring to Pakistan’s diverse heritage and historical foundations, the
ambassador reiterated the vision of Pakistan’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah,
emphasizing freedom of worship and religious tolerance as articulated in his Aug. 11,
1947, address.
“Our founder recognized from the outset that Pakistan is home to multiple faiths
and traditions, and that the state must ensure freedom of worship for all citizens. This
principle remains a cornerstone of our national ideology,” Ambassador Sheikh noted.
He also highlighted the spiritual significance of Ramadan, describing fasting as
both a spiritual and physical process of reflection, discipline and renewal.
At the end, the ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh concluded by expressing
gratitude to participants for fostering dialogue and reaffirmed the Embassy’s
commitment to continuing interfaith engagement initiatives in the future.
