A Pakistani priest has been appointed a cardinal by The Pope
To celebrate the honour Pakistan’s Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa hosted a banquet for some of the country’s most senior Christian religious leaders.

General Bajwa said the appointment of Pakistani priest Joseph Coutts was a matter of national pride.
Coutts, who also attended the banquet, was appointed as Cardinal by Pope Francis on June 28.
He is one of 14 Cardinals around the world.

General Bajwa also appreciated the contributions of Pakistani Christians in national development including promotion of quality education and health care, and he lauded the role they played in defending the country.

He further said there was a great need for promoting interfaith harmony in society in order to march toward Quaid’s true vision of a united and progressive Pakistan.