Our Story

UPIC elevates the role that faith-affirming individuals can play in building constructive, peaceful relations between the United States and Pakistan by fostering interpersonal connections, breaking harmful stereotypes, and implementing sustainable and empowering programs in both countries.

Our Story

Launched in 2011 as a key initiative of Intersections International’s Global Peacemaking Program, the U.S.-Pakistan Interreligious Coalition (UPIC), originated as a nonpartisan interreligious alliance consisting of religious, academic and community leaders from over fifty Pakistani and American civil society organizations.

Our Story

Using track two diplomacy, face-to-face interpersonal engagement and academic partnerships, UPIC provides a concrete, constructive and interfaith model for study and action.

Our Story

It is at UPIC’s annual gatherings where the impact of this interaction is realized as hearts and minds are changed. Participants from both countries compare and contrast life experiences, share successes and failures, and explore how we can best learn from one another about ways to enhance the human condition, together.

Our Mission

UPIC elevates the role that faith-affirming individuals can play in building constructive, peaceful relations between the United States and Pakistan by fostering interpersonal connections, breaking harmful stereotypes, and implementing sustainable and empowering programs in both countries.

News

Diplomacy Welcomes UPIC to Seton Hall

Diplomacy Welcomes UPIC to Seton Hall

The School of Diplomacy is pleased to welcome the U.S.-Pakistan Interreligious Coalition to Seton Hall University. Learn more about this exciting announcement by reading an interview with Rev. Robert Chase, Chair of the UPIC Executive Committee here >>

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2017 UPIC Delegation Visits Pakistan

2017 UPIC Delegation Visits Pakistan

UPIC's seventh trip to Pakistan in April 2017, brought together 30 delegates from 12 countries. It was an opportunity to reflect on what UPIC has achieved since 2011. Having stressed interpersonal connections as a tool for creating a bridge between seemingly divided...

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Reflections

A Day with a Christian Community in Islamabad

A Day with a Christian Community in Islamabad

There is a certain fragrance to Pakistan which, when newly arrived, one notices when stepping into the cool night air after passing innumerable hours in the stale atmosphere of an intercontinental jetliner. No one seems quite sure of the source of the sweetness, but it is as unexpected as it is memorable.

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Studying Talmud in Islamabad

Studying Talmud in Islamabad

I arrived a bit late for the first presentation. There was no seat available, but as soon as I entered a traditional looking Muslim man got up and offered me his seat. I was bit embarrassed both at being late and at having been offered a seat by someone who clearly arrived on time. Yet welcomed so graciously, I sat down.

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Pakistan: Perspectives, Perception, and Prejudice

Pakistan: Perspectives, Perception, and Prejudice

It is not lost on me that as a Native Angeleno who grew up in that urban corridor infamously called “Watts-Compton,” labeling communities, cities, and countries as “too dangerous” to travel there is not unfamiliar to me.

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Meet Our Team

Rev. Robert Chase

Rev. Robert Chase

Fellow at Seton Hall University’s School of Diplomacy and International Relations

Rev. Chase leads the U.S.-Pakistan Interreligious Coalition (UPIC) program.

Rev. Dr. Brian Keenan Muzás

Rev. Dr. Brian Keenan Muzás

Director of the Center for United Nations and Global Governance Studies at Seton Hall University

Rev. Dr. Muzás has been part of UPIC since its inception.

“I’m here in Pakistan to help us break down stereotypes and build understanding and come up with an action plan to create mutual trust and build peace between our people.”

Dr. Sarah Sayed

Senior Advisor, Community Affairs Unit, City of New York