Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Tuesday said that Pakistan had made significant strides on the diplomatic front over the past fifteen months through extensive engagement with the international community.
Addressing a ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after launching ‘Digitised system under Foreign Minister’s Change Management Reforms’, the foreign minister proudly said that “diplomacy is back”.
It was also an appropriate response to those who were touting about Pakistan being isolated at the global level, he said in an apparent reference to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership.
The Foreign Minister credited the success to consistent global engagements with countries like the Middle East, the United States, China, and other members of the United Nations. He highlighted how these interactions had boosted Pakistan’s outreach and standpoint on various issues, ultimately leading to successes at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) – resulting in Pakistan’s removal from the grey list – and making progress on the climate change agenda.
During the devastating floods last year, the international community rallied to support Pakistan in its relief and rehabilitation efforts. The UN General Assembly’s focus on Pakistan during these efforts culminated in the successful organization of the Climate Resilient Pakistan summit in Geneva, garnering a positive response.
When questioned about Pakistan’s approach to international relations and terrorist organizations, Bilawal Bhutto emphasized that the country remained committed to resolving world issues through dialogue and diplomacy.
He clarified that Pakistan would not align itself with any blocs and would make decisions in the broader national interest.
Regarding the issue of terrorist organizations, the Foreign Minister reiterated the government’s resolve to establish the writ of the state at all costs.
He called for an Apex Committee meeting to address terrorist and criminal incidents in the country, particularly after an increase in such incidents following the fall of Kabul.
He also expressed concerns about the proliferation of arms and ammunition, left behind by foreign forces, falling into the hands of terrorist and criminal organizations, posing a challenge to the government.
When questioned about Afghanistan’s role in countering terrorism, Bilawal Bhutto stressed the importance of the Afghan interim government taking action against terrorist organizations as per their commitments under the Doha Agreement.
He acknowledged the capacity issues faced by Afghanistan in dealing with terrorism and reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to assist them in combating the shared threat.
The Foreign Minister also spoke about reforms introduced in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aimed at making it more efficient in facing emerging challenges. A total of 51 initiatives were undertaken, with 19 completed, three partially implemented, and 29 on track for completion.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khan, diplomats, officials, and Pakistan’s ambassadors abroad through video link. The Foreign Minister also inaugurated the solarization of the ministry during the event.
