“Friends of Pakistan,” a renowned organization, orchestrated an impactful one-day conference titled ‘Injustice and Human Rights Violation: Engaging for Change in the Muslim World.’ This event, which took place on Saturday, August 26th, was hosted at the prestigious University of Alabama, Birmingham.
The conference served as a pivotal platform for addressing and seeking solutions to the pressing issues of injustice and human rights violations prevalent across the Muslim world.
Dr. Ahad Qazi, a distinguished ophthalmologist based in Aniston, Alabama, emerged as the driving force behind this enlightening event. His commitment to community projects and initiatives, including an Islamic School that integrates Quranic education with the American school curriculum, showcases his dedication to holistic education. Notable figures Mr. Tariq Siddiqui and Aasim Sehbai also contributed to the success of the conference as co-hosts.
Distinguished guest speakers, hailing from diverse backgrounds, lent their expertise to the conference. The lineup included Imam John Yahya Graff of MPH My Mualim Institute, Dr. Shahbaz Gill, Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, Shaheen Sehbai, Senior Editor and Analyst, Dr. Moeed Pizada, renowned commentator and editor GVS, Advocate Aitzaz Ahsan, Supreme Court Attorney, Najma Minhas, Managing Editor at GVS, Dr. Muhammad Nisar ul Haq of the University of Houston, Dr. Salman Ahmed, a UN Goodwill Ambassador, and Asad Malik, the President of PakPAC.
University of Alabama discussion on Pakistan Human Rights situation was an interesting & well managed event with active participation of Prof. Robert Blanton, Head Political Science, Prof Akhlaq Haque, Pol. Science & dedicated work by Dr. Ahad Qazi, Tariq Siddique, Aasim Sehbai &…
— Moeed Pirzada (@MoeedNj) August 27, 2023
The academic realm was represented by Professor and Chair Dr. Robert G. Blanton, along with Professor Dr. Akhlaque Haque from the University of Alabama College of Arts and Sciences.
The conference commenced under the capable moderation of Dr. Ahad Qazi.
Imam John Yahya Graff delved into the Islamic perspective on justice and human rights. He eloquently underscored that the Quran and Sunnah illuminate the significance of upholding these principles, emphasizing their intrinsic value.
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Dr. Muhammad Nisar ul Haq elaborated on Pakistan’s evolution from its inception as the first “Islamic Republic” to its current state, shedding light on the disheartening reality that the nation no longer upholds the foundational values it was originally established upon.
Dr. Moeed Pirzada passionately tackled the theme of “Pakistan: A Garrison State and its Implications.” He articulated how Pakistan’s identity as a garrison state has stifled open dialogue and self-reflection, often categorizing dissenting voices as adversaries. Dr. Pirzada invoked Walter Lippman’s quote, “Where all think alike, no one thinks very much,” to succinctly encapsulate Pakistan’s current intellectual climate.
Pakistan Garrison State: Origin, Evolution & Implications? Speech at University of Alabama! Subject is purely academic & Prof Ishtiaq Ahmed, of Stockholm University, Sweden wrote a well researched book in 2013, but given under siege mentality of fear many fear such discussions in…
— Moeed Pirzada (@MoeedNj) August 27, 2023
An additional dimension to the conference was provided through Dr. Moeed Pirzada’s vlog, where he further elaborates on the insights shared during the event.
Dr. Shahbaz Gill, shedding light on the grim realities of human rights within Pakistan, offered thought-provoking insights. He urged a reevaluation of Pakistan’s treatment of women, constituting over half of the population, and expressed concern for the marginalized minority groups perpetually living in fear. Dr. Gill attributed the country’s challenges to a fundamental “confusion”.
Mr. Robinson Aziz Francis, formerly an Advisor on minorities to the Chief Minister of Punjab, Pakistan, contributed to the discussions by emphasizing the dire circumstances confronting Christians and other minority groups within the country.
Joining the discourse from London, Mr. Azhar Siddiqui offered his insights on Pakistan’s constitutional crisis, contributing a unique perspective to the ongoing deliberations.
Advocate Aitzaz Ahsan was unable to participate in the discussions due to unforeseen technical issues.
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The second session of the conference transitioned into an engaging question-and-answer segment, moderated by Dr. Moeed Pirzada. This interactive session facilitated an exchange of ideas, allowing participants to seek clarifications and delve deeper into the discussed topics.
All in all, the conference emerged as a vital avenue for addressing the critical issues of injustice and human rights violation in the Muslim world, specifically in Pakistan. By providing a platform for distinguished experts to share their insights, the event fostered meaningful dialogue and potential avenues for positive change.
Watch both sessions of the Conference at GVS News Youtube Channel.