Engage with 'well connected' foreign nationals to lobby for Pakistan, Qureshi tells ambassadors

Published
30
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi addresses the launching ceremony of Foreign Minister's portal in Islamabad on Monday. — DawnNewsTV
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi addresses the launching ceremony of Foreign Minister's portal in Islamabad on Monday. — DawnNewsTV

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday urged Pakistan's ambassadors deputed in different countries to regain the "lost touch" with the younger generation to achieve foreign policy objectives and brighten the country's image.

"Ambassadors have a responsibility to lobby for the country. You can find many skilled, well connected and influential people. They have their own professional expertise. Why don't we use them to lobby for Pakistan and to improve the image of the country," the minister said at the launching ceremony of the Foreign Minister's Portal in Islamabad.

Qureshi advised the embassies to regain the "lost touch" with overseas Pakistanis, especially the younger generation. "We have to effectively utilise this excellent diaspora to improve Pakistan's image and achieve Pakistan's foreign policy objectives."

Earlier in April, Pakistan had [suspended][1] the outgoing ambassador to Saudi Arabia and recalled six of the diplomats posted at the embassy in Riyadh over allegations of improper treatment of the Pakistanis living in the Kingdom.

Raja Ali Ejaz, the ambassador to Saudi Arabia, was suspended weeks before his retirement and called back to Islamabad at a short notice. Prime Minister Imran Khan had personally met Ejaz on his return and censured him.

The Foreign Office later said in a statement that the country had a policy of “zero tolerance, whatsoever, for any lapse in the public service delivery”.

In his address today, Qureshi said it was expected of envoys to improve their behaviour with the overseas community and "focus on resolving their complaints".

The minister said he knew about limited resources, adding that "we can still improve our access and outreach through technology".

Qureshi said around nine million Pakistanis were based abroad, noting that "they remit money to the country more than that of our exports." The minister added it would be sad for the country if its people living abroad "don't feel welcome".

"We need to review our approach and behaviour in dealing with our Pakistanis abroad," he told the gathering. He said millions of overseas Pakistanis could be facilitated "if we change our mindset".

Qureshi reiterated that overseas nationals were the "best assets" of the country.

He said it was among the government's top priorities to gain access to all Pakistanis, including successful businessmen, bankers, lawyers who were living abroad.

"Ambassadors often arrange our meetings with people. But there are millions who are left out. We have to effectively utilise them," remarked the minister.

Opinion

Editorial

Kashmir unresolved
Updated 30 Sep, 2026

Kashmir unresolved

The just solution lies in India addressing the issue through a trilateral dialogue involving the legitimate representatives of the Kashmiri people and Pakistan.
Water shortage
30 Sep, 2026

Water shortage

THAT the country is entering the Rabi season with an anticipated water shortage of nearly 25pc, the lowest carryover...
Young hearts
30 Sep, 2026

Young hearts

THE observance may have passed, but the message of World Heart Day should not fade with it. The occasion is a useful...
Terror and politics
Updated 29 Sep, 2026

Terror and politics

There is an urgent need to tone down the rhetoric and tackle terrorism as a collective challenge for both the affected provinces and the federation.
Watching the glaciers
29 Sep, 2026

Watching the glaciers

THE latest signs from Pakistan’s mountains are worrying. Suparco says the number of unfrozen glacial lakes it...
Dangerous agenda
29 Sep, 2026

Dangerous agenda

AS the world remains fixated on the US-Iran conflict, elsewhere in the Middle East, Israel is consolidating its grip...