Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has appreciated the valuable contributions of Pakistan's Catholic community, particularly in education and health.

He was talking to Secretary for Relations with States of the Holy See, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, who called on him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad today.

The Archbishop is visiting Pakistan to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the Holy See.

The Deputy Prime Minister welcomed the Archbishop and acknowledged the Holy See's role in promoting peace, interfaith harmony and dialogue.

Ishaq Dar appreciated Pope Leo XIV's (Fourteen) principled calls for peace and a just resolution of the Palestine conflict and reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people.

During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Holy See relations and promoting mutual respect, understanding and peaceful coexistence among faiths.

They expressed deep concern over the continuing humanitarian crisis and emphasized the importance of sustained international efforts to advance peace in the region.

In his remarks, Archbishop Gallagher commended Pakistan's constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability through mediation, dialogue and diplomacy.