The British High Commission hosted a virtual roundtable discussion to demonstrate the UK’s support for freedom of religion or belief and to mark National Minorities Day.

The event was chaired by the British High Commission’s Political Counsellor Iona Thomas.

The event brought together a range of experts from the worlds of politics, academia and religious affairs, including Asiya Nasir, former parliamentarian and chairperson of the Pakistan Christian Forum, Ministry of Human Rights Parliamentary Secretary Lal Chand Malhi, Punjab MPA Ramesh Singh Arora, Executive Director of the Christian Study Centre Jennifer Jag Jeven and Nadeem Abbas, an academic specialising in Islamic Studies.

Ms Thomassaid: “[The BHC was] delighted to have hosted a roundtable on freedom of religion and belief, bringing together some of Pakistan’s brightest minds to discuss this important theme on National Minorities Day. August 11th is a commemoration of Pakistan’s rich diversity - a diversity that we must uphold and celebrate. As a longstanding friend of Pakistan, the UK continues to support efforts towards guaranteeing freedom and coexistence of different religions.”

Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2020