The Catholic Church in Pakistan has expressed joy over the government’s decision to award Cardinal Joseph Coutts, Emeritus Archbishop of Karachi, the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, the “Medal of Excellence,” conferred on civilians and military personnel for outstanding contributions in fields such as art, literature, sports, and public service.
“Cardinal Joseph Coutts is a living encyclopedia. You ask any question, and he will answer it with knowledge and wisdom. He is an expert in his work and has a deep commitment to nation-building, guided by his episcopal motto, ‘Harmony.’ He has contributed immensely to promoting interfaith harmony, dialogue, and peacebuilding in Pakistan,” said Archbishop Benny Mario Travas, paying tribute to his predecessor.
Speaking at a felicitation ceremony on April 16, Archbishop Travas added, “I also admire the spirituality and simplicity of His Eminence Cardinal Joseph Coutts. He knows his mission well and has the expertise to carry it forward. He shows deep concern for his companions, the community, and the mission of the Church in Pakistan.” The event was organized by Dar-ul-Sukun – a Karachi-based charitable institution that has been serving children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities since 1969.
Clergy, religious sisters, and lay faithful from Karachi attended the event, organized to recognize the cardinal’s outstanding achievements and contributions as a recipient of the prestigious national award.
The Tamgha-e-Imtiaz is Pakistan’s fourth-highest civilian honor, awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions in their respective fields. Cardinal Joseph Coutts, the second Pakistani cardinal, received the award on March 23, 2025, in recognition of his lifelong service to interfaith harmony, social welfare, and advocacy for religious minorities, as well as his remarkable service to humanity.
During the gathering, Cardinal Coutts dedicated the award to all those who work quietly and consistently to promote harmony, peace, and unity in Pakistan. Remembering his companions in mission, he paid tribute to their efforts and encouraged them to continue serving with the same spirit for the good of the country.
“This mission is very important and much needed in our time. It requires great patience to engage with people from diverse cultures, creeds, ethnicities, and languages,” he said. “This diversity makes Pakistan beautiful, like a bouquet of flowers of different colors and fragrances. Each of us has our own identity and an important role in the development and success of Pakistan, our beloved homeland.”
Cardinal Coutts, who also serves as a Patron in Chief of Dar-ul-Sukun, further explained: “Harmony is about bringing together people of different castes and creeds. Their unity creates a beautiful blend of life, like a musical symphony, each note has its importance, and together they form something melodious and harmonious.”
Fr. Mario Rodrigues, a senior priest of the Archdiocese of Karachi, told RVA that Cardinal Coutts’ presence brought “a new wave of harmony” to the city.
“He has a charismatic personality, and his fellowship with leaders of other faiths is a strong example of his clear and focused mission for harmony in Karachi and across Pakistan,” Fr. Rodrigues said.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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