Murtaza Khwaja

Executive Director

Murtaza Khwaja is a civil rights attorney and advocate. Originally from Lahore, Pakistan, Murtaza has been a resident of Atlanta since 1994, where his early life experiences instilled in him a profound dedication to civil rights causes.

During his time at GSU College of Law, Murtaza engaged in a year-long commitment at the Capital Defenders Clinic, providing legal assistance to Georgia Capital Defender attorneys in constructing robust cases for life during trials.

In 2017, Murtaza assumed the role of the first staff attorney and lobbyist at CAIR Georgia, where he provided direct legal services to clients facing anti-Muslim discrimination, educated Georgia Muslims about their legal rights, and addressed Islamophobia through both the judicial system and public discourse.

As the Executive Director of CAIR Georgia, Murtaza effectively managed and supervised the organization's expansion efforts, employing creative legal strategies and grassroots advocacy to combat discrimination and bigotry prevailing within the state.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Murtaza enjoys outdoor activities, sports, and traveling, as well as the shared experience of meals and a quintessential cup of chai. Murtaza's passion for cricket and appreciation of Pakistani music form significant aspects of his cultural identity.

Murtaza's philosophy centers around the collective liberation of all communities. Murtaza ardently advocates for transformative, disruptive measures to confront white supremacy and institutional racism, highlighting his commitment to fostering a more equitable society."