ISLAMABAD, 26 February 2026—H.E. Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Pakistan, received a courtesy call from Mr. Samuel Payara, President of the Bright Future Society and Chairperson of the Implementation Minority Rights Forum, at the Chancery of the Embassy of the Philippines in Islamabad.

Mr. Payara was accompanied by his associates, including representatives engaged in advocacy for religious minorities in Pakistan, particularly the Catholic/Christian community, as well as other minority groups.

During the meeting, Mr. Payara briefed Ambassador Fernandez on the work of the Implementation Minority Rights Forum, including its efforts to promote the constitutional rights of religious minorities and to encourage the implementation of Supreme Court decisions protecting minority rights in Pakistan.

He also informed the Ambassador about an upcoming Minority Rights Conference, which will focus on the constitutional rights of minorities and the responsibilities of the state, and is expected to be attended by senior members of the judiciary, including the Chief Justice of Pakistan, as well as representatives of local NGOs and civil society.

Mr. Payara extended an invitation to Ambassador Fernandez to attend the event in May 2026.

Ambassador Fernandez, for his part, expressed appreciation for the work being done by Mr. Payara and his colleagues in support of interfaith harmony, human rights, and legal protections for vulnerable communities. He acknowledged the challenges to security and the incidents of violence that have affected both majority and minority communities in Pakistan in recent years, and noted the importance of continued dialogue, rule of law, and inclusive policies to safeguard all communities.

The discussions also touched on education and scholarship opportunities for members of minority communities in Pakistan. Mr. Payara conveyed his interest in exploring possibilities for scholarships at Catholic and other educational institutions in the Philippines for deserving Pakistani students, particularly from minority backgrounds.

Ambassador Fernandez suggested that Mr. Payara’s organization write formal letters of introduction and inquiry to Philippine universities and Catholic schools, such as the University of Santo Tomas and Ateneo de Manila University, outlining their advocacy work and proposed cooperation.

Ambassador Fernandez reiterated the Embassy’s openness to constructive engagement with civil society leaders in Pakistan and its support for initiatives that foster mutual understanding, respect for diversity, and protection of fundamental rights.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the shared values of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and respect for human dignity.