Islamabad (AsiaNews) – Bilateral relations between the Holy See and Islamabad, interreligious dialogue, peace as an alternative to the many conflicts in the region and around the world, and international efforts to bring relief to the war-weary population of Gaza and respond effectively to the humanitarian crisis.
These are the key topics at the heart of today’s meeting between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations.
The Vatican’s Foreign Minister arrived in the capital yesterday for a three-day official visit from 8 to 10 October, which also marks the highest-level visit by a representative of the Holy See to this predominantly Muslim South Asian country.
The trip marks the celebrations for the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the Vatican. Minister Ishaq Dar expressed his appreciation for the Holy See’s contribution to the promotion of international peace, interreligious dialogue and harmony.
Islamabad’s foreign minister also acknowledged the work of the Pakistani Catholic community and its contribution to the country’s development, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare.
Archbishop Gallagher, for his part, acknowledged Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote peace in the region. Both sides expressed “concern” over the still-unresolved Palestinian issue and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasising the need for “coordinated international action”. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to “strengthening bilateral relations, promoting mutual understanding and fostering religious tolerance”.
Contribution of Catholics
The recognition of Catholic institutions in the fields of education and healthcare is of particular significance for Pakistan’s Christian minority, whose contribution to the country’s social development has long extended far beyond the boundaries of their own community. Catholic schools, hospitals and charitable organisations serve people from diverse religious and economic backgrounds, often providing essential services to disadvantaged communities.
The meeting offers an opportunity to highlight the Church’s work for Pakistani society, whilst drawing attention to the importance of safeguarding the rights and dignity of religious minorities.
Fr Shahzad Arshad, director of the National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP) of the Archdiocese of Karachi, emphasised “the importance of the long-standing relationship” between Pakistan and the Holy See. He described the anniversary as “an opportunity to deepen cooperation and strengthen mutual understanding”.
This diplomatic engagement is particularly significant as Catholic leaders continue to call for equal citizenship rights, religious freedom and effective safeguards against discrimination. For the Church, interfaith harmony requires more than merely cordial relations between religious leaders. It also depends on concrete measures aimed at ensuring that people of different faiths can exercise their rights, access justice and participate on an equal footing in national life.
Peace in Gaza
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the search for a just solution to the Palestinian question also featured prominently in the discussions. Both sides expressed deep concern about the situation and emphasised the importance of international cooperation in addressing the suffering of civilians and pursuing a lasting political solution.
The Holy See has consistently emphasised dialogue, humanitarian assistance and a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Pakistan, too, has reaffirmed its support for self-determination and the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
This exchange reflects an area of common interest between Islamabad and the Vatican, whose diplomatic engagement extends beyond bilateral relations to encompass broader issues such as international peace, human dignity and humanitarian responsibility.
75th anniversary of diplomatic relations
Pakistan and the Holy See established diplomatic relations in 1951. Over the past 75 years, their relationship has served as a channel for dialogue on religious matters, education, cultural cooperation and international developments.
Archbishop Gallagher’s visit is the first official visit to Pakistan by a secretary responsible for the Holy See’s relations with states and international organisations, which lends this anniversary particular diplomatic significance.
During his stay, the Vatican diplomat is also expected to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and members of the Pakistani Catholic community, who have in the past been victims of attacks – including violent ones – motivated by religious prejudice, or affected by the misuse of blasphemy laws.
Finally, his programme includes religious and interfaith meetings aimed at strengthening understanding between different communities. For Pakistani Catholics, the visit represents an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to peace, service and cooperation, whilst encouraging continued attention to the challenges faced by religious minorities.
As the two sides mark 75 years of diplomatic relations, their renewed commitment to strengthening interfaith cooperation and tolerance places this relationship within the context of a broader debate on the role of religion in public life. The challenge ahead will be to translate diplomatic commitments into “lasting cooperation, greater protection for vulnerable communities and concrete progress towards a society in which people of all faiths can live together in peace and dignity”.
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