Pakistan’s Positive Global Image Highlighted at Acton University USA 2026

Senator Khalil Tahir Sandhu and Shahid Rehmat showcased Pakistan’s commitment to religious freedom, interfaith harmony, technology-driven peacebuilding, digital resilience, and regional stability before the international community

Grand Rapids, Michigan / Washington, D.C.:  Senator Khalil Tahir Sandhu, Pakistan’s only Christian Senator, and Shahid Rehmat, Executive Director of the Youth Development Foundation (YDF), represented Pakistan at Acton University USA 2026, where they effectively highlighted the country’s commitment to religious freedom, interfaith harmony, inclusive governance, technology-led peacebuilding, and its positive global image. Following the conference, the delegation held a series of high-level engagements in Washington, D.C., focusing on religious freedom, peacebuilding, social cohesion, digital resilience, and international cooperation. They also presented Pakistan’s constructive diplomatic role during the recent U.S.–Iran tensions, emphasizing the country’s efforts to promote dialogue, de-escalation, peaceful coexistence, and regional stability. Acton University 2026 brought together policymakers, academics, faith leaders, entrepreneurs, social activists, and civil society representatives from more than 80 countries. During the event, Senator Khalil Tahir Sandhu and Shahid Rehmat outlined Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to promote religious freedom, minority rights, interfaith harmony, and inclusive social development. The Youth Development Foundation’s innovative technology-driven initiatives received widespread appreciation, including the AI-powered “Harmony Checker,” a platform designed to identify hate speech and discriminatory content in educational curricula and digital spaces, as well as the proposed Early Warning System aimed at preventing social tensions before they escalate. The Foundation also introduced the “Haqeeqat” platform, developed to promote credible information and counter misinformation. Participants recognized these initiatives as practical and effective models for advancing religious freedom, digital resilience, social cohesion, and sustainable peace. During their visit to the United States, the delegation received a warm welcome from the Pakistani-American community in New York, Delaware, Maryland, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., where community gatherings brought together Pakistani-Americans from diverse faith backgrounds, business leaders, youth, clergy, poets, and civil society representatives. The meetings focused on strengthening national unity, empowering young people, promoting minority inclusion and interfaith harmony, and expanding collaboration with Pakistan across multiple sectors. The delegation also held productive meetings with officials from the U.S. Department of State, international organizations, think tanks, and faith-based institutions to exchange views on religious freedom, peacebuilding, digital resilience, inclusive development, and global partnerships. Senator Khalil Tahir Sandhu and Shahid Rehmat expressed their sincere gratitude to the Pakistani-American community, host organizations, and partner institutions for their warm hospitality and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening international partnerships that promote peace, human dignity, religious freedom, interfaith harmony, and sustainable development, while further enhancing Pakistan’s positive, moderate, and constructive image on the global stage.