# Pakistan Interfaith Conference Calls for Religious Freedom

> Religious leaders in Pakistan demand equal citizenship and religious freedom at interfaith conference.
- Title: Pakistan Interfaith Conference Calls for Religious Freedom
- Summary: Religious leaders in Pakistan demand equal citizenship and religious freedom at interfaith conference.
- Keywords: pakistan, interreligious dialogue, religious freedom, equal citizenship, islamabad high court bar association, apostolic nuncio, catholic bishops conference, islamabad, federal minister for law and justice, minorities, religion, Vaticannews
- Source: Vaticannews — https://vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-11/pakistan-interfaith-conference-religious-freedom-nuncio.html
- Author: Vatican News
- Published: 2026-11-12T14:52:19.302+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pakistan, interreligious dialogue, religious freedom, equal citizenship, islamabad high court bar association, apostolic nuncio, catholic bishops conference, islamabad, federal minister for law and justice, minorities, religion, world
## Interfaith Conference Organized
The Islamabad High Court Bar Association and Apostolic Nunciature in Pakistan organized a National Interfaith Harmony & Peace Conference in Islamabad.
## Participants Include Religious Leaders
The conference brought together bishops, judges, government officials, religious scholars, and civil society representatives from Pakistan.
## Vatican Delegation Attends
A delegation from the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, including Msgr. Indunil Janakaratne Kodithuwakku Kankanamalage and Fr. Markus Solo Kewuta, participated.
## Apostolic Nuncio's Message
Archbishop Germano Penemote emphasized the Holy See's role in safeguarding human dignity, justice, and peace through religious freedom.

> The Holy See does not remain indifferent when human life is endangered, destroyed or discriminated against
## Religious Freedom Statement
Msgr. Kodithuwakku stated religious freedom is a recognition of human dignity, not a concession between communities.

> Religious freedom is not a concession made by one community to another. It is a recognition of the dignity of the human person
## Ali Jinnah's Quote
Msgr.Kodithuwakku quoted Ali Jinnah: 'You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other places of worship in this State of Pakistan.'

> You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other places of worship in this State of Pakistan
## Islamic Perspective
Fr. Kewuta stressed faith must be translated into justice, where justice leads to peace in a plural society.

> Faith must be translated into justice. Where there is justice, there is peace. Peace is the barometer of a healthy nation
## Chief Justice's View
The Islamabad High Court Chief Justice emphasized equal citizenship and rejecting labels of 'majority' and 'minority'.

> We are all one Pakistani
## Qamar Zaman Kaira's Input
Qamar Zaman Kaira highlighted misinterpretation of religion as a source of intolerance and division in society.

> The misinterpretation of religion is a significant source of intolerance and division in society
## Khel Das Kohistani's Concern
Khel Das Kohistani identified forced conversions as an obstacle to interreligious trust and dialogue.

> Forced conversions as another serious concern and an obstacle to building trust among religious communities
## Conference Conclusions
Participants called for political leadership, judiciary, religious institutions, and civil society to work together for equal citizenship and peace.

> The gathering concluded with a renewed call for political leadership, the judiciary, religious institutions, the legal fraternity, and civil society to work together beyond religious, cultural, and social differences
## Key takeaway

Pakistan's religious leaders, government officials, and Vatican representatives call for equal citizenship and religious freedom through interfaith dialogue.