Rizwan’s journey into peacebuilding was shaped by tragedy. As a child, he witnessed a violent mob attack on his Christian village, Shanti-Nagar, once known as the “Home of Peace.” The trauma of that day, where homes were destroyed, lives were lost, and hatred raged unchecked, planted in him a lifelong commitment to challenge violence, extremism, and promote peace.Today, Rizwan is one of Pakistan’s most active voices for peace, harmony, and tolerance. He is the founder of the National Ecumenical Council of Pakistan, the first-ever platform in the country that brings together churches and Christian denominations from across Pakistan to speak with a united voice against extremism, terrorism, and violence. Through this initiative, Rizwan provides training to church leaders and congregations on conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and advocacy. He equips them to play a more active role in community safety, dialogue, and human rights defense. Recognizing the need for broader collaboration, he has also engaged Muslim and Hindu leaders bringing them onto this platform to foster interreligious dialogue and joint action for a peaceful society. Rizwan has also served as a member of the Youth Parliament of Pakistan, where he contributed to legislative discussions and policy recommendations aimed at reforming government laws and practices that fueled extremism and religious violence.
A major current focus of Rizwan’s work is the Village and Town Peace Forums initiative, which he personally founded and developed. He has established 126 forums across Pakistan, where local leaders including youth, women, pastors, and imams are trained in conflict resolution, interfaith dialogue, non violence and community protection. These forums provide early intervention in potential conflict areas, create safe spaces for marginalized voices, and empower local communities to prevent violence before it escalates. Rizwan envisions these forums as long-term pillars of sustainable peace and grassroots resilience.In addition to his national work, Rizwan serves as a consultant and trainer for various organizations. He teaches in several religious schools, helping students and faith leaders understand their role in countering hatred and promoting a culture of tolerance and coexistence. In a country deeply affected by religious divides, Rizwan’s work stands as a model of unity, courage, and vision. His tireless efforts continue to inspire hope for a Pakistan where all communities can live with dignity, equality, and peace.
