Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in Pakistan

These citizen-led groups played an active role in responding to faith-based conflicts, lobbying for equitable treatment of minorities, and liaising with government officials to ensure protection of minority rights. The DACs have successfully mediated communal tensions, advocated for job quotas for minority communities, and supported sanitary workers from marginalized backgrounds. Their efforts are a strong example of community ownership and grassroots mobilization.

The “Leading Voices” component connected local realities with national advocacy efforts. AWAM engaged civil society organizations, media forums, and provincial lawmakers to push for policy reforms and raise questions in the Punjab Assembly regarding discriminatory practices. The project also supported local lobbying efforts, uniting various actors to challenge embedded inequalities and influence curriculum reform to eliminate bias.

By uniting voices across sectors and communities, AWAM helped shape a movement for religious freedom and social cohesion. The project’s success lies in its inclusive, locally led strategies and its bold steps to challenge discrimination through collective action, education, and advocacy. While challenges remain in terms of sustainability and documentation, the FoRB project has laid a powerful foundation for a more tolerant and equitable society—where every voice matters, and every belief is respected.