Sajid Ishaq Sandhu has spent the past two decades dedicated to fostering peace and interfaith dialogue in a world often fractured by religious divisions. A steadfast advocate for religious freedom and minority rights, he has worked to build bridges between communities, believing that understanding and coexistence are the foundations of a more harmonious society. With grassroots to global initiatives, his leadership has left an indelible imprint, garnering praise for his unrelenting dedication to oneness.
For his advocacy and dedication to human rights, Sandhu has been honored by Marquis Who’s Who with inclusion in their prestigious biographical volumes.
Early Career and Academic Foundation
Sandhu’s path to becoming a champion of human rights began in 1995 when he completed a Master of Business Administration at the University of the East in the Philippines. He then pursued further studies in community development and trauma healing. His academic pursuits led him to the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom for community development studies and then to Carleton University in Canada. There, he received a scholarship from the World Bank for a course in development evaluation.
Sandhu’s experiences in trauma became impactful following the devastating earthquake in Pakistan in 2005 when he guided recovery efforts for displaced individuals. He later expanded his knowledge with courses on social media at Eastern Mennonite University in Virginia and attended a national security workshop at Pakistan’s National Defence University.
Leadership in Interfaith and Peace Initiatives
In his professional career, Sandhu has been a leader and advocate for social justice and religious tolerance. He is currently the president of the Interfaith League Against Poverty (I-LAP-US), an organization dedicated to inspiring peace and understanding among diverse communities. He also chairs HumSub (dot) TV, a web channel he founded to amplify the voices of marginalized communities. His mission is to advocate for religious freedom and human rights through popular media.
Sandhu has held leadership roles with the Pakistan Interfaith League (PIL) and I-LAP Pakistan, where he focuses on interfaith dialogue and advocating for the rights of religious minorities. His commitment to peacebuilding has earned him several recognitions, including the Untiring Peace Efforts Award from the National Network of Interfaith and Peace Pakistan and acknowledgment from the governor of Punjab for his contributions to human rights.
Advocacy and International Recognition
In 2013, Sandhu served as an adviser to Imran Khan, the former chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and prime minister of Pakistan. His influence in supporting religious minorities earned him a nomination for a reserved seat for minorities in Pakistan’s National Assembly during the 2013 general elections. He was invited by the U.S. State Department to attend the first International Religious Freedom Ministerial in 2019.
Sandhu has pioneered civic initiatives such as Pakistan’s first peace museum and served as the advisory chair for the International Network of Museums for Peace. He has also inspired dialogues on interfaith cooperation and peacebuilding in Japan and the Netherlands. He remains committed to engaging with policymakers to create laws promoting equality and human dignity for all.
Continuing Efforts in Humanitarian Work
Beyond his professional roles, Sandhu is deeply involved in disaster relief efforts. Additionally, his efforts to plant churches and provide free education in Pakistan embody his dedication to both spiritual and social uplift. Finally, he is committed to enhancing international religious freedom by advocating for equal rights for small religious minorities worldwide. Through his advocacy work, Sandhu aims to create a lasting legacy that promotes humanity in line with the Abraham Accords.
