Tag: Pakistan & Pakistani
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Myself Ali Raza Khan as Scientist Advocate for Food Climate and Human Rights
In February 2015, at Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU) in Multan, I stood at the intersection of science and survival. The international conference, ‘Malnutrition in South Asia: The Peril Persists’, brought together voices from Pakistan and abroad to address a crisis that science alone cannot solve, but which science must lead. As a professional in Food…
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The Mystery of the “New” Mahdi
Recently, I saw a sticker at a castle in Switzerland and some TikTok videos that confused me. They talked about a new religion called the “Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light” and a leader named Aba Al-Sadiq (Abdullah Hashem). Since I am from a background where the name “Ahmadi” usually refers to the Pakistani community,…
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The Brain and the Search for Peace
I have often wondered why humans need religion. After my HIV diagnosis, I found myself moving away from traditional beliefs and leaning more toward science. Science gave me the tools to survive and the data to understand my body. But I also realized that the human brain seems to have a built-in need for something…
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Finding the “Mahdi” on a Castle Wall: A Journey from Fear to Science
I was visiting the Valère castle recently, just looking for some history and peace. But as I was reading the information boards, I saw a sticker that stopped me in my tracks. It had a man with a beard, a black background, and a QR code. Underneath, it said in French: “What was promised to…
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URGENT SECURITY NOTICE: My Previous WhatsApp Number Has Been Compromised
To my community, colleagues, and friends, I am writing this urgent update to inform you that my long-standing personal and organizational WhatsApp number (+92 313 6234725) has been hacked and compromised. Effective immediately, I have lost all administrative control over this number. It is currently being operated by malicious actors who have no association with…
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Beyond the Diagnosis: Launching Ali’s Treatment Trek
For over 15 years, my life has been a journey through shadows and light. I have faced the sterile walls of HIV clinics, the heavy silence of societal stigma in the streets of Multan, and finally, the bright lights of global advocacy stages. But how do I share a 15-year journey with someone who hasn’t…
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Play U=U Shield of Science: A New Interactive Artivism Experience by Ali Raza Khan
As a gay individual living with HIV and a dedicated activist in Pakistan, my work has always sat at the intersection of research, activism, and art. Today, I am proud to announce the latest piece of my digital “Artivism” portfolio: The U=U Shield of Science Game. In a country where HIV stigma is often fueled…
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Beyond Borders: When Pakistan and Israel Meet at Pride
There are moments in life that feel like more than just a photograph. They feel like a blueprint for the future. Recently, at Pride Geneva, I had the honor of standing alongside Leo from Queers Against Antisemitism (QgA). In my hand, I held the Pakistani Muslim rainbow flag; in his, the Jewish rainbow flag. In…
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From Isolation to Integration: My Journey with the Queeramnesty Mentorship Program
Finding your way in a new country is never easy—especially when you are a queer refugee navigating the complexities of an asylum process. As a Minorities Right Activist who has dedicated years to peace-building, I know firsthand that while resilience is internal, support must be communal. Recently, I had the honor of providing feedback for…
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Standing in Global Solidarity: My Message for the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers
I am proud to share that my voice has been featured alongside fellow activists from across the Asia Pacific in a powerful new campaign by the Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers (APNSW). To mark the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, we have come together to send a unified message to the…
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United We Stand: Gratitude to SGDI Pakistan for Amplifying Our Fight
In times of deepening silence from the global community, the voices of our local allies become our most vital lifeline. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Society for Gender Diversity & Inclusion Pakistan (SGDI Pakistan) for resharing my recent article, “The Closing Walls: How Global Indifference is Fueling Pakistan’s War on its…
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Why the HERO Awards Are a Lifeline: My Message for APCOM 2025
As we approach the APCOM HERO Awards 2025, I’ve been reflecting deeply on what this platform means—not just for those of us who receive an award, but for our entire community across Asia and the Pacific. Back in 2021, I was humbled to be named the HIV Hero at these prestigious awards. It was a…
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Building Bridges from the Ground Up: Joining the Global Muslim-Jewish Youth Unity Project
I am thrilled to announce my involvement as a team member in a truly groundbreaking initiative: the GLOBAL MUSLIM-JEWISH YOUTH UNITY PROJECT. This project, which officially launched on October 7, 2025, is not just another non-profit; it is a declaration of courage and a testament to the power of people over politics. The Impossible Has…
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De la discrimination au dialogue : le parcours d’un bâtisseur de paix au Pakistan
Ali Raza Khan, bâtisseur de paix engagé originaire de Multan, au Pakistan, œuvre depuis 2015 pour lutter contre la violence sectaire et la discrimination qui touchent son pays depuis des décennies. Issu de la communauté musulmane chiite, Ali a transformé ses expériences personnelles en une force motrice pour le changement, formant des milliers de jeunes…
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امتیاز سے مکالمے تک: پاکستان میں ایک امن ساز کا سفر
امتیاز سے مکالمے تک: پاکستان میں ایک امن ساز کا سفر علی رضا خان، جو کہ ملتان، پاکستان سے تعلق رکھنے والے ایک پرعزم امن ساز ہیں، ۲۰۱۵ سے فرقہ وارانہ تشدد اور امتیازی سلوک کے خلاف کام کر رہے ہیں، جو کئی دہائیوں سے ان کے ملک کو متاثر کر رہا ہے۔ شیعہ مسلم…
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The Closing Walls: How Global Indifference is Fueling Pakistan’s War on its LGBTQI+ Community
By Ali Raza Khan Ali Raza Khan is a steering committee member of TheYouthPACT, an HIV-positive gay activist, and lives with PTSD. There’s a particular kind of silence that haunts you when you live at the intersection of identities the world wishes to erase. As a gay man, as an HIV-positive person, as an activist…
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From Discrimination to Dialogue: A Peace-Builder’s Journey in Pakistan
Ali Raza Khan, a dedicated peace-builder from Multan, Pakistan, has been working since 2015 to combat the sectarian violence and discrimination that has plagued his country for decades. Drawing from his personal experiences as a member of the Shia Muslim community, Ali has channeled his struggles into a powerful force for change, training thousands of…
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Debout et Fier à la Basel Pride 2025 : Mon Histoire, Notre Combat
Quel immense honneur ce fut de me tenir sur la scène de la Basel Pride 2025, le 28 juin, organisée par Baselticktbunt. Ce fut une journée remplie de célébration vibrante, mais aussi une plateforme cruciale pour des discussions profondes sur les droits humains et la lutte continue pour une véritable égalité. J’ai partagé la scène…
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Standing Tall at Basel Pride 2025: My Story, Our Fight
What an incredible honor it was to stand on the stage at Basel Pride 2025 on June 28th, organized by Baselticktbunt. It was a day filled with vibrant celebration, but also a crucial platform for profound discussions on human rights and the ongoing fight for true equality. I shared the stage with remarkable individuals: Conradin…
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Laughter as Rebellion: My Pride 2025 Message on Queer Joy for Youth LEAD AP
Posted by Ali Raza Khan | June 5, 2025 Asalaam Alaikum and a very Happy Pride Month to all! This Pride Month, I was incredibly honoured to contribute a video message to the Asia Pacific Network of YKP (Youth LEAD AP) for their powerful series, “Queer Joy as Resistance.” As the founder of PridePakistan.org, a…