September 19 2026
This transcript captures an interview with Bishop Azad Marshall of the Church of Pakistan regarding the withdrawal of an award from Maulana Ashrafi.
Bishop Azad explained that the Church of Pakistan was not aware of Ashrafi’s previous remarks praising Osama bin Laden and defending blasphemy laws, noting that he has since worked closely with Christian communities and supported minority rights. The bishop expressed disappointment that proper due diligence was not conducted before the award was given and withdrawn, stating that this has damaged interfaith relations and the Church of Pakistan’s relationship with the Anglican Communion. He called for an apology from the Archbishop of Canterbury and indicated he would make a formal apology himself, while also refusing to participate in an upcoming ACC meeting until a sincere apology is received.
Bishop Marshall defended Tahir Ashrafi’s recent actions, stating that he has been supportive of the Christian community and has helped with various issues, including providing security for Archbishop Justin Welby’s visit to Peshawar.
Tasfir Ashrafi’s Interfaith Harmony Work
Bishop Marshall recounted Tasfir Ashrafi’s work protecting minorities and Christians. He particularly cited the case of a young Christian girl who had Down’s syndrome and the Maulana’s personal commitment to justice in her case and her religious freedom and safety . When this Christian girl was accused of blasphemy, Tasfir Ashrafi’s ‘went all out to protect her and speak on her behalf’ .
Bishop Marshall explained that Tasfir Ashrafi’s motivation comes from his contact with Christians over the years and his desire to promote inter-religious harmony, noting his official role as head of the Pakistan government’s peace committee.
They also discussed a meeting between Tasfir Ashrafi and Justin Welby. Justine Welby had nominated him for the award and invited him to dinner at his home immediately before the award was presented. Bishop Marshall expressed disappointment about the process of the withdrawal of the award. Not only does this disregard former Archbishop Welby’s hospitality but his keen insight and awareness of matters of interfaith harmony and how they unfold in the real world.
Award Withdrawal Controversy Discussion
Bishop Marshall discussed the controversial past of Tasfir Ashrafi and explained that proper due diligence was not conducted before the award was given, and when they attempted to withdraw it, they did not properly consult with him first. He expressed concern that this situation has embarrassed Christians in Pakistan and will negatively impact interfaith relationships and the Church’s credibility.
The Church of Pakistan and the Anglican Communion
Bishop Marshall discussed the negative impact of the decision by the Archbishop of Canterbury on relationships between the Anglican Communion and Church of Pakistan. He explained that the Archbishop should apologize to Maulana Ashrafi and the Church of Pakistan for improperly handling the situation with a respected Muslim scholar. He himself will make a formal apology to Maulana Ashrafi and build relationships going forward, emphasizing that cultural differences affect perspectives on such matters.
Until a sincere apology from Archbishop Mulhally is forthcoming he is refusing to participate in Anglican Communion meetings. He said that Archbishop Sarah displayed a lack of understanding about Middle Eastern cultural dynamics.
Bishop Marshall concluded: “While we understand that the we occupy different cultural, social and economic spaces , it is essential we talk more, specifics, not just generic interfaith chit chat but seeking God’s heart together for the world we live in and how to be the answer to the prayer Jesus taught us ‘Thy Kingdom Come’.”
Bishop Marshall was speaking with Canon Dr Chris Sugden