Meeting with Mr Muhammad Khurram Agha, Secretary of the Pakistan Ministry of Interior, in Islamabad on 26 February 2026. Photo: Fr Robert McCulloch
As conflict ripples across the Middle East and South Asia, Columban missionary Fr Robert McCulloch finds himself unexpectedly grounded in Pakistan, navigating a landscape marked by political tension, sectarian caution, and rapidly shifting security conditions.
Fr Robert arrived in Pakistan on 20 February, expecting to return to Rome on 8 March. That return date is now uncertain. His visit included pastoral work in Hyderabad and a series of diplomatic and government ministry meetings in Islamabad from 24–26 February, which he described as “very successful.” But the regional situation changed dramatically soon after.
Pakistan’s strikes on Kabul and other Afghan cities - already a major crisis in South Asia - were quickly overshadowed by the sudden escalation between Iran, the United States, and Israel.
The resulting instability has triggered unrest across Pakistan. Violence has erupted at the US consulate in Karachi and in several areas of Islamabad, prompting the government to impose a ban on public gatherings. In this tense environment, minority Shia communities are exercising extreme caution, fearing potential backlash from the Sunni majority.
Despite this, Fr Robert reports that Hyderabad remains calm. St Elizabeth Hospital continues its work without disruption, and he is still able to travel to convents and ministry centres. Yet he remains alert to how quickly “passion - the unruly and unpredictable element” - can reshape the situation. For now, he continues his mission in quiet resilience, waiting for clarity on when it will be safe to travel again.
