Dar praises Catholic community’s contributions to Pakistan’s education, health sectors
— October 9, 2026ISLAMABAD (AIA) Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has praised the valuable contributions of Pakistan’s Catholic community, particularly in education and healthcare.
He made the remarks during a meeting with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States of the Holy See, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad today.
The archbishop is visiting Pakistan to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the Holy See.
Welcoming the visiting dignitary, Dar acknowledged the Holy See’s role in promoting peace, interfaith harmony and dialogue.
He also appreciated Pope Leo XIV’s principled calls for peace and a just resolution of the Palestine conflict, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Both sides pledged to strengthen relations between Pakistan and the Holy See and promote mutual respect, understanding and peaceful coexistence among different faiths.
They expressed deep concern over the continuing humanitarian crisis and stressed the need for sustained international efforts to advance peace in the region.
Archbishop Gallagher, in turn, commended Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability through mediation, dialogue and diplomacy.
