HONORING SAJID SANDHU THROUGH REFLECTION, RECOGNITION, AND GRATITUDE
Dr. TIMOTHY K. BEOUGHER (Ph.D.)
Associate Dean, Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism, and Ministry: Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism and Church Growth at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
“I am writing this letter of reference for Mr. Sajid Sandhu. As one of my students at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) in Louisville, Kentucky, he demonstrated superb intellectual ability. More significantly, Mr. Sandhu has compiled an impressive list of accomplishments both in his home country of Pakistan and around the world. From championing human rights and fostering interfaith harmony to advocating for religious freedom and spearheading disaster response efforts, Mr. Sandhu has consistently demonstrated a remarkable commitment to addressing pressing issues facing the global community.
Having witnessed Mr. Sandhu’s strengths and the recognition he has garnered at various forums; I am confident in stating that he possesses the extraordinary abilities requisite of a visionary leader. His vision, coupled with his tireless dedication to serving others, positions him as an invaluable asset to any organization or cause he chooses to champion.
Mr. Sandhu’s dedication to evangelism and reaching out to communities around the world through various media platforms is commendable. His passion for sharing the Christian faith and spreading its message globally is evident in his multifaceted approach to media outreach. His unique blend of entrepreneurial acumen, commitment to social impact, and fervent faith positions him as a strategic voice in the field of Christian apologetics.”
Dr. TIMOTHY PAUL JONES (Ph.D.)
Vice President of Doctoral Studies
The Southern Theological Baptist Seminary
“Sajid Sandhu was one of my students at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) in Louisville, Kentucky. I oversaw his thesis when he was completing his Master of Arts degree, and he demonstrated himself to be a careful and creative writer. His thesis focused on international engagement related to the issue of Christian persecution in other countries, entitled “The Suffering of Christians in Non-Christian States Is Not Inevitable.” Sajid is a man of utmost integrity, and his research is a great importance in relation to diminishing persecution of Christians in international Muslim and Hindu contexts. He has demonstrated an expert ability in navigating difficult religious and political concepts to a degree beyond his peers.”
Dr. MATT REYNOLDS (Ph.D.)
Executive Director, Refuge International
“Sajid came to the United States to grow and hone his skills in the area of Interfaith Dialogue by pursuing a Master of Arts in Apologetics from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky.
As a Christian, Sajid is part of a religious minority in Pakistan (which is predominantly Muslim). And as an exemplary and influential member of that minority community, Sajid was selected to serve as the adviser to the former Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Prime Minister of Pakistan and in Minority Affairs. It is not easy to represent a religious minority in a Muslim country, but through his interfaith organization, Sajid has consistently sought to bridge the gap between religious differences and, in the spirit of Jesus Christ who gave His own life to reconcile sinners to God, to build coalitions and create synergy on the basis of common ground.
After graduating in December 2024, Sajid began the work of registering his organization (I-LAP) in the United States and other countries. Having leveraged his relational and political capital in Pakistan for the sake of relief work among those suffering from poverty and natural disaster, he desires to continue to do the same on global level.
I recommend Sajid Sandhu because of his education and experience in interfaith dialogue, peacebuilding, promoting religious freedom, disaster response, and church planting Most importantly, he has the high-level relationships and contacts to make these things happen. Given the tensions in the United States that exist between members of different religious communities, Sajid with his experience and contacts can well foster interfaith harmony in our country as he has done in Pakistan”.
Dr. CLIVE BARRETT (Ph.D.)
Joint Coordinator, International Network of Museums for Peace.
“I am pleased to record that I knew Mr. Sajid Ishaq Sandhu well in the period 2008-2017. He was active in the Interfaith League Against Poverty, and he was the founder of the Interfaith Peace Museum in Islamabad. As such, he was an active member of the International Network of Museums for Peace (INMP) throughout this period.
He participated in the 6th conference of INMP in Kyoto, Japan, 2008, showing a passion for peaceful coexistence and bridge-building among diverse communities. He was elected to the Executive Board for 2011-2014 by the INMP General Assembly of 2011. He was an active member of the Board, including attendance at the INMP office in The Hague. He was further appointed to the Advisory Committee of INMP from 2014 to 2017.
I can therefore testify to his commitment to interfaith harmony, religious freedom and peace education both in Pakistan and internationally.”
Mr. DERK JAN KLEINHESSELINK
Former International Officer PCN-KERK IN ACTIE- ICCO at Utrecht- in The Netherlands.
“I recommend to make good use of the skills, qualities and experiences of Sajid Sandhu for the best of the USA-communities. He is a christian by birth, from Pakistan, and is known to me since approximately 1997 while I was Foreign Program Officer, based in Pakistan with my young family. In that way I have maintained, for a number of years, solid program-relations with Sajid Sandhu. I have followed Mr. Sajid’s activities in the field of Interfaith Counseling and promotion of Non-Violence communication. In those fields he has maintained excellent skills and has obtained a good name in those subjects. I hereby recall that I can fully recommend him in his leadership and definitely also a person”.
Mr. SAIFULLAH SARWAR KHAN NIAZI
Senator, Member Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
“I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for Mr. Sajid Ishaq Sandhu, a highly respected and accomplished leader who has dedicated his life to serving marginalized communities and promoting interfaith harmony in Pakistan. Sandhu’s leadership is rooted in integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice and peace. His ability to unite people across faiths and build bridges in divided communities is a testament to his vision and character. Sandhu is one of the few Christian individuals in Pakistan, who has risen to the top of his field of expertise through sheer hard work, dedication, focus, and passion.
I have had the privilege of working closely with Sandhu since he joined Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in 2012. On May 12, 2012, Mr. Sandhu was officially appointed as a member of the Central Executive Committee (CEC). On September 15, 2012, Sandhu was appointed as Advisor to the Chairman, Mr. Imran Khan, on Minority Affairs, an esteemed and strategic position within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). This appointment reflected the party’s confidence in his leadership and dedication to promoting the rights and representation of religious minorities in Pakistan. Subsequently, in the intra-party elections held on March 18, 2013, Sandhu was elected as the Central President of the PTI Minority Wing. His election marked a significant milestone, as he mobilized minority communities nationwide to actively participate in the democratic process and contribute meaningfully to the party’s vision for a just and inclusive Pakistan.
In the 2013 general elections, in recognition of Sandhu’s outstanding contributions to safeguarding the rights of religious minorities, his effective management of humanitarian assistance across all provinces of Pakistan, and his impactful advocacy campaigns and grassroots canvassing efforts for PTI, the party nominated him for a reserved seat in the National Assembly for minorities.
Additionally, Sandhu served as a member of the PTI Manifesto Review Committee, where he contributed his insights to ensure inclusive and progressive policy recommendations reflective of Pakistan’s diverse population.
I have personally witnessed Sandhu’s strong leadership as an interfaith advocate and a remarkable philanthropist. His influence and integrity are recognized not only within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) but also across the diplomatic community, media, parliamentarians, academia, religious scholars, youth, and people of all faiths. His recognition at numerous esteemed forums reflects his unwavering dedication, determination, and visionary outlook. Sandhu possesses exceptional skills in networking, lobbying, and advocacy at both national and international levels. I am confident that Sandhu’s extensive experience, unwavering values, and steadfast dedication to promoting interfaith harmony and global peace make him an invaluable asset to any organization or initiative committed to advancing peace, equity, and social progress, whether in a local, national, or international context.”
Dr. NELSON AZEEM (MD)
Member National Assembly
Parliamentary Secretary of National Health Services & Regulation and Coordination.
“As a Pakistani Christian, I take immense pride in the accomplishments of Mr. Sajid Sandhu. His unwavering commitment to his mission, coupled with his exceptional ability to turn vision into reality, has brought honor not only to our community but to the nation as a whole. His consistent focus, integrity, and impactful leadership have earned him recognition both nationally and internationally.
Mr. Sajid Sandhu’s longstanding efforts in promoting Human Rights, Peace, Interfaith Harmony, and Religious Freedom have earned him wide respect among his peers, civil society, and government institutions. His work was officially recognized by the Government of Punjab when the Governor awarded him the Human Rights Award in 2022. Mr. Sandhu has consistently been a courageous and principled voice for the rights of religious minorities in Pakistan. Throughout his career, he has advocated for victims of religious persecution, hate crimes, and discrimination, tirelessly working to ensure justice and equality for all marginalized communities.
As a member of the Interfaith Harmony and Human Rights Standing Committees, I can confidently vouch for Mr. Sajid Sandhu’s impactful leadership and tireless advocacy for justice, particularly in cases involving false accusations under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.”
Mr. ZAFARULLAH KHAN
A Pakistan based civic educator, Former executive director of the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS).
“I have come to know Sajid Sandhu as a man of deep conviction and vision, someone who not only dreams of change but actively works to bring it about. His unwavering commitment to justice and equality has made him one of the most respected advocates for religious minorities in Pakistan. Sajid approaches every challenge with courage, compassion, and a strong moral compass. I have closely followed his involvement in several high-profile blasphemy cases and have always admired his fearless determination and calm, reasoned approach in the face of immense pressure.
Under his leadership, I-LAP has played a crucial role in promoting peace, harmony, and social cohesion while extending practical support to vulnerable communities during times of natural and human-made crises. His ability to mobilize people and resources in such circumstances reflects not only his organizational skills but also his deep empathy and understanding of human suffering. At the same time, from the socio-political platform of Pakistan Interfaith League, (PIL), Sajid has courageously advocated for the constitutional rights and social justice of religious minorities, often standing at the forefront of sensitive national debates with wisdom, dignity, and resolve.”
Ms. MALIHA HUSAIN
Executive Director
Mehergarh-A Center for Learning
“I have had the privilege of knowing Mr. Sandhu professionally and personally for many years and can attest without hesitation to his exceptional skills, dedication, and leadership in the fields of human rights advocacy, interfaith dialogue, community development, and humanitarian service.
I have had the distinct pleasure of knowing Sajid professionally and working alongside him for over two decades. He is an exceptional and well-established figure, widely recognized for his contributions as a development professional, social advocate, Christian apologist, and public leader.
During this time, I have witnessed firsthand his unwavering commitment to justice, his tireless dedication to fostering peace, promoting interfaith harmony through dialogue, defending human rights, and uplifting marginalized communities in Pakistan.
Throughout my long professional association with Sajid, I have found him to be a man of deep integrity, spiritual conviction, and uncommon courage. He exemplifies the qualities of a servant-leader—never seeking personal fame but always striving to glorify God and serve the people. His leadership style is consultative, his vision is inclusive, and his energy is contagious. He empowers others, mentors the next generation, and creates space for collaboration even in the most challenging circumstances.
Sajid’s remarkable leadership, both at the grassroots and international levels, has left an admirable impact on all those who have had the privilege to work with him. His deep-seated conviction in the power of unity, peacebuilding, and interfaith dialogue is not simply theoretical but is borne out through a lifetime of service and bold initiatives. Sajid is one of those rare leaders who rose to the top through his selfless efforts and seamlessly merges deep theological insight with practical action, balancing academic excellence with social transformation.
Sajid’s leadership in interfaith initiatives is unparalleled. In 2004, Sajid founded the Interfaith League Against Poverty (I-LAP) in Pakistan and has championed the cause of the poor and oppressed through holistic community development, disaster relief, education, and spiritual empowerment. He leads with integrity and compassion, continuously working to uplift those who are silenced or sidelined.”
Ms. ELAINE GILLS
Secretary I-LAP-US Board
“I am writing to highly recommend Sajid Ishaq Sandhu. We have been coworkers for almost three years during the developmental years of the Interfaith League Against Poverty, Inc. in the United States. I have known him to be an ambitious and highly motivated individual. I believe his self-starting tendencies and strong vision make him an ideal candidate for any position of authority and leadership.
Sajid is well-respected as the President of the National Baptist Churches of Pakistan (NBCP) as he guides, encourages and supports the Pastors in evangelizing in a predominantly Muslim country. At the risk of his personal safety, Sajid has been an outspoken public advocate for religious freedom and for freedom of expression without fear.
He has championed the cause publicly and is published and quoted in his support for human rights and those individuals who have been incarcerated without due process. He has spoken out publicly and written articles regarding the misuse of the blasphemy laws in Pakistan.”
Rev. LESTER J. BOLLINGER
Former Decision Support Analyst in the field of Healthcare Finance, former pastor of Beaver Baptist Church, M.Div. from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville KY.
“I came to know Mr. Sajid Sandhu during his studies in MA Apologetics at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville KY. I found that Mr. Sandhu’s experience is very impressive. He has been a pioneer of creating solutions to poverty and disaster relief, as well as advocating for religious liberty by building relationships across religions and political lines in Pakistan. Mr. Sandhu has also been an advocate for peace in the Middle East, and his advocacy for Abraham Accords shows that he is a valuable ally of the diplomatic efforts of United States in that region.
I am convinced that Mr. Sandhu possesses unbelievably valuable experience and leadership abilities, and not only he is doing valuable work in Pakistan, but he will also be a benefit to the United States and its relationship with Pakistan and the surrendering region.”
Ms. LINDA WININGS
Federal Employee, Department of Health Services
“I first met Mr. Sandhu in July 2019 when he was visiting the US for attending the Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. I was most impressed by Mr. Sandhu’s educational project, “The Institute of Emerging Leaders (TiEL) School System”, and its vision for strengthening academic education, encouraging professional growth, and developing leadership qualities in the Christian students who are among those most vulnerable in Pakistan.
Mr. Sandhu is a highly esteemed Christian leader who holds great respect not only within the Church but also among interfaith communities and civic leadership. His unwavering commitment to promoting peace, interfaith harmony for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among people of different faiths has been widely acknowledged and appreciated at both governmental and civil society levels.
Mr. Sandhu is a well-known advocate for human and minority rights in Pakistan, recognized for his courageous efforts in defending victims of religious persecution and blasphemy accusations. Through his socio-political platform, the “Pakistan Interfaith League” (PIL), he has been instrumental in seeking justice for the oppressed and promoting national unity.”
Rev. SUNDAY BWANHOTS
Chairman Evangelical Church Winning All-USA (ECWA)
“I met Sajid Sandhu, in January 2025 in a meeting of ECWA Louisville, KY, where I came to know about his ministry and his work in Pakistan. It was indeed a pleasure knowing him and the way God has been using him to glorify His name in a country where Islam is a majority religion. I found him a genuine leader and true man who is dedicated to promoting religious freedom and interfaith harmony not only in his own country but other parts of the world. During our conversation he introduced me with his endeavor of establishing a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) by the name the Interfaith League Against Poverty-I-LAP-US in Louisville, KY.
Sandhu is a prominent leader and one of the few Christians in Pakistan, who have risen to the top of their field of expertise. He also has the honor of being selected to participate in the First International Religious Freedom Ministerial, organized by the US State Department in 2019.
His master’s degree in Apologetics from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville KY; master’s in Business Administration from Manila, Philippines and several other trainings related to his field of expertise have made him an outstanding and vital resource for any community, society, or nation. He is an expert in interfaith dialogues, advocacy and lobbying with policy makers which makes him someone that can reach out to the diverse American society to promote peaceful co-existence and harmony among different faiths and nationalities living in the United States.”
Rev. DOMINIC J. MUGHAL
M Phil (Leeds) MTh (Edinburgh) MS (ASI, Manila)
“This is to certify that I have known Mr. Sajid Ishaq Sandhu since 1995 when I was the Director of Christian Study Centre Rawalpindi, Pakistan. This Centre is a renowned Academic Institute known for its work for promoting interfaith harmony, human rights concerns and democratic values around the world. I worked at this Centre for seventeen years as a staff member and later as the Director from (1984-2001).
Sajid has a heart for building peace, justice and equality in the society and always stands on the side of the weak and vulnerable. He is a great promoter of human rights and democratic norms. I found him to be a very visionary, dedicated, honest, hardworking, committed, and friendly young man.
Under his extemporary leadership and exceptional planning skills, Sajid executed and successfully completed various community development projects including Micro-Finance for small business owners to start and expand their small enterprises. Through his untiring efforts thousands of individuals benefited and were enabled to sustain their livelihood.
He also played an effective role in bridging the gap between the unemployed and the potential employers by creating awareness about job opportunities for jobseekers and equipping them with work ethics training, which not only helped the employers to hire trained staff but also helped workers to retain their jobs by demonstrating professional work ethics at their workplaces.
Sajid is among one of the very few Christians in Pakistan who attained higher education and maintained a position among influential Christian leaders. He is well respected among his peers, Church leadership, civil society organizations, political arena, and interfaith communities. He is one of the prominent interfaith leaders whose opinion matters on social and faith-based issues in Pakistan.”