Pakistan’s Year-End Diplomatic Briefing Highlights Key Achievements and Challenges

ISLAMABAD: In a press briefing held at the Foreign Office today, Pakistan’s spokesperson provided an extensive overview of the country’s diplomatic endeavors throughout 2023. The briefing covered a wide range of topics, including high-level visits, multilateral engagements, and regional relationships.

Key Highlights:

1. Global Diplomacy: Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts focused on enhancing its international profile and building relations with countries worldwide, with high-level visits from former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
2. Multilateral Engagement: Active participation in various multilateral forums, including the United Nations, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Economic Cooperation Organization, and Shanghai Cooperation Organization, showcased Pakistan’s commitment to inclusive multilateralism.
3. Climate Resilience: Hosting the International Conference on Climate-resilient Pakistan in collaboration with the United Nations demonstrated Pakistan’s dedication to addressing climate challenges.

1. BRICS Membership Request: Pakistan formally requested to join BRICS, emphasizing its commitment to inclusive multilateralism and hoping for positive developments.
2. Election Victories: Pakistan secured membership in several important multilateral bodies, reinforcing its standing in the international community.
3. Regional Connectivity: Pakistan continued its efforts to promote regional cooperation, especially with Afghanistan, Central Asia, and countries in the South Asian region.
4. Bilateral Relations: Strengthening traditional partnerships with China, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and the wider Islamic world remained a priority, with a focus on economic collaboration and defense production.
5. India-Pakistan Relations: Despite no major developments, Pakistan called for the normalization of bilateral relations with India, emphasizing the resolution of outstanding disputes, particularly the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir.
6. Humanitarian Efforts: Pakistan actively advocated for the Palestinian cause, supported international initiatives for Gaza, and provided humanitarian aid.
7. Overseas Pakistanis: Measures were taken to enhance services for overseas Pakistanis, including the launch of online attestation and evacuation efforts in Sudan and Niger.

Response to Questions:

1. Indian Ban on Muslim League Jammu Kashmir: Pakistan strongly condemned India’s decision to ban the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir Masarrat Alam faction, highlighting the continued suppression of genuine voices in IIOJK.
2. Extradition Request for Hafiz Saeed: The spokesperson did not comment on speculative reports regarding India’s extradition request for Hafiz Saeed.
3. EU and Norwegian Embassy Tweets: Pakistan defended its internal handling of protests, emphasizing its commitment to freedom of assembly, and expressed regret at foreign embassies interfering in internal affairs.
4. Indian Military Operation in Poonch: Pakistan condemned Indian forces’ actions in Poonch, reiterating its support for the rights of the Kashmiri people and their right to self-determination.
5. Future of Pakistan-India Relations: Pakistan maintained that dialogue with India would be based on equality, mutual respect, and the prioritization of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
6. Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement: An understanding of the principles of the free-trade agreement with GCC countries was reached, with ongoing talks to finalize additional aspects for early operationalization.

As Pakistan concludes a dynamic year in diplomacy, the nation remains committed to fostering global partnerships, and regional stability, and addressing critical issues such as climate change and human rights.