Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar met Holy See Foreign Minister Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher in Islamabad to commemorate 75 years of diplomatic ties. Both leaders discussed strengthening Pakistan Holy See relations, interfaith harmony, the Middle East humanitarian crisis, and Catholic contributions to national education and healthcare.
ISLAMABAD, October 9: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met with the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on Friday, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening Pakistan Holy See relations, interfaith dialogue, and peaceful coexistence.
The high-level bilateral meeting coincides with the landmark 75th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the Holy See, which were officially instituted in 1951. Archbishop Gallagher’s three-day official visit, taking place from October 8 to October 10 at the invitation of the Deputy Prime Minister, represents the first-ever visit to Pakistan by a Secretary for Relations with States—the primary official responsible for foreign affairs within the Roman Curia of the Holy See.
According to an official statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar warmly welcomed Archbishop Gallagher to Islamabad and expressed deep appreciation for the valuable contributions of Pakistan’s Catholic community. Dar specifically highlighted the long-standing and impactful services rendered by Catholic institutions across the country in key social sectors, particularly education and healthcare, noting their enduring role in nation-building and community service.
During their delegation-level discussions, the Deputy Prime Minister acknowledged the Holy See’s international leadership in advancing interfaith dialogue, fostering tolerance, and promoting peaceful resolution to global conflicts. Dar commended Pope Leo XIV’s principled stance and repeated public calls for peace and a just resolution to the Palestine conflict. Reaffirming Pakistan’s long-standing diplomatic position, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized Islamabad’s unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people amidst the severe humanitarian crisis in the region.
Strengthening Pakistan Holy See Relations Through Strategic Dialogue
In their comprehensive review of bilateral relations, both leaders expressed a shared determination to further strengthen Pakistan Holy See relations across diplomatic, cultural, and interfaith avenues. Both sides underscored the importance of nurturing mutual respect, interfaith understanding, and peaceful coexistence among different faith traditions, emphasizing that religious diversity should serve as a foundation for global harmony.
Addressing broader international security developments, the Foreign Ministry noted that both officials expressed profound concern over the continuing humanitarian emergency in the Middle East. They stressed the critical necessity of sustained international efforts to relieve civilian suffering, enforce international humanitarian standards, and advance permanent peace and stability in the region through dialogue and diplomacy.
In his remarks, Archbishop Gallagher commended Pakistan’s constructive contribution to regional peace and stability. The senior Vatican prelate praised Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives, highlighting its consistent emphasis on mediation, dialogue, and multilateral diplomacy to resolve regional tensions and facilitate peaceful coexistence.
Historical Ties and Community Contributions
Diplomatic ties between Pakistan and the Holy See trace back to 1951, shortly after Pakistan achieved independence in 1947, marking three-quarters of a century of continuous diplomatic cooperation. Over the past 75 years, the historical trajectory of Pakistan Holy See relations has focused on humanitarian initiatives, interreligious dialogue, and institutional collaboration in social services.
The Holy See maintains a permanent diplomatic mission, the Apostolic Nunciature, in Islamabad, which is currently headed by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Germano Penemote. Conversely, Pakistan maintains its diplomatic accreditation to the Holy See through its embassy in Bern, Switzerland.
According to official demographic statistics from Pakistan’s 2023 national census, the Christian community numbers approximately 3.3 million citizens, constituting roughly 1.37 percent of the national population. Within this demographic, the Catholic Church operates an extensive network of missionary schools, colleges, vocational centers, tertiary hospitals, and community dispensaries nationwide. These institutions provide essential educational and medical services to Pakistanis of all religious backgrounds, earning widespread recognition for their high standards and inclusive access.
High-Level Itinerary and Community Engagements
As part of his three-day official itinerary in the federal capital, Archbishop Gallagher is also scheduled to hold a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The upcoming discussion with the head of government is expected to focus on bilateral cooperation, international peace initiatives, interfaith harmony, and shared concerns regarding global humanitarian issues.
In addition to his high-level government meetings, the visiting Vatican foreign minister is interacting with leaders and representatives of the Catholic Church in Pakistan, as well as civil society members involved in interfaith initiatives. These engagements provide an opportunity for the Holy See to assess pastoral work on the ground, encourage inter-religious goodwill, and strengthen community ties.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Archbishop Gallagher’s landmark visit marks a major milestone in the evolving history of Pakistan Holy See relations. By celebrating 75 years of formal diplomatic relations, both sides have reaffirmed their mutual commitment to enhancing cooperation, deepening institutional trust, and working collaboratively toward regional and global peace.
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Khalid Minhas | Editor, Diplomatic Wire
A veteran journalist with three decades of comprehensive experience, Khalid Minhas has covered politics and international relations in depth throughout his career. He has also contributed to academia, teaching journalism and mass communication as a visiting faculty member at various universities in Pakistan. He holds an M.Phil in Mass Communication and is currently a Ph.D research scholar pursuing advanced studies in the field. He is also the author of the book America, Israel aur Islam, providing insightful analysis on the subject.
