The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, is in Pakistan this week to visit earthquake stricken areas at what he calls a highly important period for the country.

|TOP|Dr Williams’ visit coincides with growing concern over the continuing impact of last month’s earthquake in the onslaught of winter.

“This is a crucial time to be visiting Pakistan,” said the Archbishop of Canterbury. “I know there are many concerns about those who may have survived the recent earthquake but whose future is still threatened by the onset of extremely cold weather conditions.

“I hope to learn about the things being done to transfer aid to people in the direst of needs.”

The visit by the Archbishop to Pakistan comes at a time when Christian-Muslim relations, the controversial blasphemy laws and the situation of minority communities continue to be hot topics.

“This is also a very important time for Pakistan’s faith communities – the good relations between Christians and Muslims in many parts of the UK and in Pakistan provide a platform for building further and for eradicating mistrust and misunderstanding,” said Dr Williams.|QUOTE|

“I am pleased to be able to visit Muslim students, scholars and leaders in the Islamic University of Islamabad and elsewhere.”

The Archbishop will travel to Pakistan together with Mrs Jane Williams at the invitation of the Church of Pakistan, whose Moderator is the Bishop of Lahore, the Rt. Rev. Alexander Malik.

Dr Williams said: “I am particularly delighted to be sharing in fellowship with the Church of Pakistan at this point in its history and learning of its mission and ministry in some of the most challenging parts of the country. And I am looking forward to the celebrations of the long and fruitful ministry and leadership of Bishop Malik as Bishop.”

During his visit, Dr Williams will make courtesy visits to the President of Pakistan and the country’s Prime Minister, as well as other senior politicians.

|AD|The Archbishop will also visit the areas affected by the earthquake and those still recovering from the disaster.

The visit will also take in meetings with congregations and visits to churches and church projects, with the Archbishop also leading a retreat for the Bishops of the Province.

Dr Williams will also preside and preach at a special service in Lahore to mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the consecration of Bishop Malik, as well as deliver two lectures at the Islamic University in Islamabad.

Part of the Archbishop’s tour also includes meetings with local Muslim religious leaders, thinkers and scholars, as well as a visit to a Muslim madrassa – a religious school.

The Archbishop will be accompanied by the Bishop of Clogher, the Rt. Rev. Dr Michael Jackson, also chair of the NIFCON, the Network for Interfaith Concerns in the Anglican Communion.

The Pakistan Government has exceeded its financing target for funds to rebuild the earthquake-shattered northern regions of the country, as delegates gathered from 75 donor countries and institutions gathered and pledged $5.8billion for the long-term reconstruction of the affected areas.