The Archbishop Emeritus of Pakistan has been awarded one of the country's top honours for his work fostering dialogue between religious communities.

Cardinal Joseph Coutts received the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz from Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari during a ceremony to mark the 78th anniversary of the country's independence.

The award is given to civilians who have shown exceptional contributions to Pakistan. Cardinal Coutts was recognised for his commitment to interfaith harmony and for promoting social welfare and minority rights. 

President Zardari said the Cardinal's "service to humanity and his role in bringing different faiths together is an inspiration for all Pakistanis".

Cardinal Coutts, 79, was ordained a priest in 1971 in Lahore. He served as Bishop of Faisalabad and then as Archbishop of Karachi until 2021.

In 2018, Pope Francis elevated him to the College of Cardinals, and he became a significant spiritual leader in Pakistan. He also served as president of the Pakistan Catholic Bishops' Conference from 2011 to 2017.