The origins of churches in Pakistan can be traced back to the 16th century when Christian missions arrived in the sub-continent following the arrival of the East India Company. After Pakistan gained independence from British rule, several churches were established for British Army officers and their families, and they became integral to the country. Eventually, the Church of Pakistan was formed in 1970, uniting Anglican, Methodist, Lutheran, and Presbyterian churches.
Many of these churches were constructed during the British era, and their architectural style resembles that of old English churches, featuring impressive turrets, majestic domes, and arched glass windows.
As Christians are the second-largest religious minority in Pakistan, the government has actively worked to preserve and renovate these century-old churches, some of which are now considered national monuments.
Historical Churches in Pakistan
Here is a compilation of historically significant churches in Pakistan known for their stunning architecture.
Dating back to 1881, St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Karachi was built on the site of the city’s oldest church. This architectural marvel, standing at 170 feet tall, was constructed to accommodate the growing Catholic community near Empress Market in Saddar Town. Unfortunately, the original St. Patrick’s Church built in 1845 beside the cathedral was destroyed in a storm in 1885.
Resembling other famous British Colonial-era churches, St. Patrick’s Cathedral boasts a beautiful red-brick exterior, adorned with arched windows and stained glass depicting religious scenes. It is a major tourist attraction in Karachi, capable of holding up to 2,000 people at once. The church compound also features the striking Monument to Christ the King, a 54-foot-tall white-marbled structure housing the statue of St. Francis Xavier, a prominent Christian missionary.
In recognition of its cultural significance and historic Gothic Revival architecture, the Sindh Cultural Heritage Protection Act designated St. Patrick’s Cathedral a protected monument in 2003.
St. Paul’s Church in Rawalpindi, one of the oldest churches in the city, had its foundation laid in 1876. However, the first formal service took place in 1908 when Scottish soldiers from the British Army’s Northern Command congregated for communal worship. Initially constructed by the Church of Scotland, the church was later handed over to the Presbyterian Church after Pakistan’s independence in 1947.
Opposite General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, St. Paul’s Church exhibits the classic features of British Colonial-era buildings, with a red-brick exterior and wooden ceilings. Its large stained-glass windows portray images of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. The church can accommodate nearly 800 worshippers and has been conducting baptism services for over a century.
St. Matthew’s Church, situated amidst the scenic Nathia Gali hill station in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stands as a splendid example of beauty and serenity. Constructed entirely from cedarwood, the church, built during the British rule, continues to be active and can be reached by a short hike from the main Nathia Gali market area. The church’s location next to Paradise Point adds to its allure, as the spot is famous for picnics, children’s rides, and refreshment stalls. Visitors can also enjoy horse riding in the vicinity.
Surrounded by tall spruce trees against the backdrop of lush green mountains, which turn snow-white during winters, St. Matthew’s Church has become a popular tourist attraction in the area.
St. Mary’s Cathedral in Multan, a 170-year-old historic church, is an architectural marvel and one of the largest and oldest churches in the city. Originally constructed for British Army personnel stationed in the region, the cathedral now houses the Bishop of Multan and holds significant historical importance for locals and visitors alike.
Built-in the Gothic architectural style reminiscent of European churches, the cathedral’s elegant red exterior features tall arched windows and wooden ceilings. Many of the construction materials, such as tiles, wood, metals, glass, and the church bell, were reportedly imported from England. In 2013, the Pakistan Army collaborated with the civil society to renovate the cathedral at a cost exceeding 5 million rupees.
The grand Sacred Heart Cathedral in Lahore, designed by Belgian architect Edouard Dobbeleers, dates back to 1907. Built in the Roman-Byzantine style, the cathedral served as the main church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lahore during the pre-partition era.
The cathedral’s main prayer hall can accommodate approximately 1,500 worshippers at a time. Its impressive structure, featuring a wide dome and tall turrets, makes it a prominent landmark in Lahore. Apart from its religious significance, the Sacred Heart Cathedral is also renowned for housing St. Anthony’s School, a famous boys’ school, whose alumni include prominent figures from various fields.
6. St. John's Church, Peshawar
St. John’s Cathedral in Peshawar is one of the oldest churches in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, constructed between 1851 and 1860. Originally known as St. John’s Church, it served as a garrison church for British soldiers and their families stationed in the area. The cemetery near the main building contains the graves of several British officers who lost their lives while fighting on the frontier.
Later, in 1982, the building was granted cathedral status, and it is now owned by the Anglican Diocese of Peshawar, forming part of the Church of Pakistan.
The cathedral’s historical significance was highlighted during a visit by Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip in the 1960s when they attended services at St. John’s Cathedral.
These remarkable churches in Pakistan bear witness to the country’s rich cultural heritage and offer breathtaking glimpses of its architectural history. For enthusiasts of ancient architecture, exploring these historical forts in Pakistan is also a must-do experience.
