Government award to Card Coutts: the joy of Pakistani Christians

The Sitara-e-Imtiaz, one of the country's highest civilian honours, was presented to the Archbishop Emeritus of Karachi. His exceptional contribution to inter-religious harmony and social well-being was recognised. Fr Bonnie Mendes: ‘He has always invited us to look at the good that there is in Pakistan, even in the most difficult moments’.

Karachi (AsiaNews) - On 23 March, Card Joseph Coutts, Archbishop Emeritus of Karachi, received the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, one of the country's highest civilian honours, during the Pakistan Civil Awards ceremony.

The 79-year-old cardinal was recognised for his outstanding contribution to interfaith harmony, social welfare and the Christian community in Pakistan. The award, which is the fourth highest honour in Pakistan, was presented by the Governor of Sindh, Kamran Khan Tessori.

Cardinal Coutts – who led the archdiocese of Karachi from 2012 to 2021 – was one of 104 Pakistanis and foreigners to whom President Asif Ali Zardari presented the national awards. ‘I am very happy,’ the cardinal told UCA News.

‘However, it is nothing historic. Many people, including some nuns, have already received several awards.’ Catholic priests, activists and social workers congratulated Cardinal Coutts and praised the Sindh government for this honour to the cardinal.

Yousaf Benjamin, Executive Director of DIGNITY First and Managing Director of CYRIL News, congratulated His Eminence on this prestigious government honour.

He said that this award is a testament to his unwavering dedication to promoting interfaith harmony and his tireless efforts in the service of the community. ‘The decision to honour Cardinal Coutts highlights the importance of promoting unity and understanding among all communities,’ he added.

Aftab Mughal, director of Minority Concern Pakistan, told AsiaNews: ’For decades, the cardinal has worked to bring peace and unity between minority and majority communities. He promoted peace, justice and the rights of minorities in the country. It is an award that highlights the presence of Pakistani Christians in social areas such as quality education, health services and social work. We hope that this award will bring about positive change in society and promote social cohesion and harmony between the various communities on the basis of citizenship rather than religion’.

Speaking to AsiaNews, Michelle Chaudhry, director of the Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation, said: ‘We congratulate Card Coutts: it is certainly a moment of great pride for the Christian community. He is a visionary leader and an ardent supporter of interfaith harmony and tolerance: we are very pleased that his services have been recognised by the government of Pakistan’.

Fr Bonnie Mendes told AsiaNews: ‘The Sitara-e-Imtiaz award to Card Coutts was long overdue. A German university had already awarded him a prestigious prize ten years ago. He never stopped sending out a positive message about the country, even when terrorists attacked places like Shanti Nagar, Sangla Hill, Joseph Colony, All Saints Church in Peshawar, Jaranwala and Sargodha. He always praised the ordinary men and women of Pakistan.