FS Asim Iftikhar Ahmad calls for modern, inclusive, forward-looking Foreign Service

Liaquat Ali

Islamabad: Foreign Secretary Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad this week called for a more innovative, inclusive and forward-looking Foreign Service, stressing that Pakistan’s diplomats must adapt to changing global realities, embrace emerging technologies and explore new avenues to advance the country’s national interests.

In his message on Foreign Service of Pakistan Day 2026, Ambassador Asim paid tribute to generations of Pakistani diplomats for their dedication, professionalism and perseverance, saying their legacy remained a source of strength and inspiration for the country’s diplomatic community.

“Let us celebrate our collective achievements, honour the remarkable contributions of our predecessors, and take pride in the institution we have built together,” the foreign secretary said.

He observed that Pakistani diplomats had served the nation with commitment and a strong sense of purpose, often navigating formidable challenges despite limited resources.

Their contributions, he said, had helped build an institutional legacy that continued to guide the country’s diplomatic efforts and strengthen its engagement with the international community.

The foreign secretary described the occasion as particularly significant in view of Pakistan’s evolving diplomatic position, growing geopolitical relevance and expanding international engagement.

He said Pakistan’s increasingly recognised role in promoting dialogue, building bridges and facilitating peaceful solutions reflected the enduring importance of principled and purposeful diplomacy.

“These achievements inspire confidence, but also place upon us a greater responsibility to sustain this momentum and explore new avenues and opportunities,” he said.

Highlighting the changing nature of international relations, Ambassador Asim said diplomacy was no longer confined to traditional statecraft, as economic diplomacy, public diplomacy, strategic communication and emerging technologies were increasingly shaping how countries pursued their interests and engaged with the world.

He urged Pakistan’s diplomatic service to broaden its horizons, embrace innovation and develop the capacity not only to respond to international changes but also to anticipate and influence them.

The foreign secretary emphasised that adapting to emerging global trends would be essential for maintaining Pakistan’s diplomatic relevance and strengthening its ability to protect and promote national interests in an increasingly complex international environment.

He also underscored the importance of human resources in building a dynamic and effective diplomatic institution, identifying the talent and fresh perspectives of younger officers, the growing contributions of women diplomats and the accumulated experience of serving officers as key strengths of the Foreign Service.

“Our greatest strength remains our people,” he said, adding that the collective capabilities of the diplomatic community provided the foundation for a dynamic, inclusive and forward-looking institution.

His message highlighted the importance of combining institutional experience with new ideas and approaches to prepare Pakistan’s diplomatic service for emerging challenges and opportunities.

Concluding his message, Ambassador Asim urged Pakistani diplomats to look beyond simply keeping pace with a rapidly changing world and play a proactive role in shaping international developments.

He said the ultimate objective was to ensure that Pakistan’s voice was heard, its national interests were advanced and its rightful place in the community of nations was strengthened.

Foreign Service of Pakistan Day provides an opportunity to recognise the contributions of the country’s diplomatic corps and reaffirm its role in representing Pakistan abroad, strengthening bilateral and multilateral partnerships, promoting economic interests and pursuing peaceful solutions to international disputes.