Cardinal Joseph Coutts, the Emeritus Archbishop of Karachi, has been awarded Pakistan’s prestigious "Tamgha-i-Imtiaz" in recognition of his contributions to interfaith dialogue, social harmony, and the protection of minority rights. President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the award during a ceremony on March 23, 2025, honoring over 100 individuals for their service to the nation.

The "Tamgha-i-Imtiaz," or "Medal of Excellence," is a distinguished civilian award given to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding contributions in various fields. Cardinal Coutts was acknowledged for his extensive pastoral work, including initiatives in healthcare, education, and charitable activities, which have benefited diverse communities across Pakistan. His commitment to fostering interfaith harmony has been particularly significant, with President Zardari describing his efforts as an inspiration to all Pakistanis.

Born on July 21, 1945, in Amritsar, British India, into a Goan family, Cardinal Coutts was ordained a priest in 1971. He served as the Bishop of Hyderabad in 1990, later leading the Faisalabad Diocese from 1998 before becoming the Metropolitan Archbishop of Karachi in 2012, a position he held until 2021. In 2018, Pope Francis elevated him to the rank of cardinal.

Currently, Cardinal Coutts serves as the president of the Christian Study Center in Rawalpindi, an institution dedicated to interfaith dialogue and social harmony for over five decades. His recognition with the "Tamgha-i-Imtiaz" highlights his enduring efforts to bridge religious divides and advocate for minority rights, reinforcing the values of unity and respect in Pakistani society.