ISLAMABAD, Sept 9: Glowing tributes were paid to late Agha Shahi, former foreign minister of Pakistan, at a condolence meeting held in his memory at the Foreign Office here on Saturday.

Describing Mr Shahi as a true patriot, speakers recalled his outstanding services to the country.

The dominant sentiment was that he steered Pakistan’s foreign policy with great wisdom, foresight and strategic vision during crucial times in the country’s history. He was referred to as a towering international figure of great stature and intellect who devoted his life to the cause of defending country’s interest and upholding international principles of peace, development and human rights.

The meeting was addressed by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar and Foreign Secretary Riaz Mohammad Khan. Former foreign secretaries Niaz Naik, Riaz Khokhar and retired ambassador Khalid Mahmood Shahi also spoke on the occasion.—Q.A.