Foreign Office

The Foreign Office is the government department, which has responsibility for the government's
dealings and relations with foreign governments.

Roles

 Maintains relations with other states and international organizations;

 Represents and protects the interests of the country citizens and legal entities abroad;
 Cooperates with living abroad and supports cultural and educational institutions abroad;
 Organizes and supervises the activities of diplomatic missions and consulates;
 Proposes and develops the policies of the Council of Ministers in the field of foreign
affairs; elaborates projects and drafts proposals for such policies and submits them to the
Council of Ministers;
 Implements policies adopted by the Council of Ministers and coordinates and supervises
their implementation through the relevant agencies;
 Fulfills the above tasks and responsibilities in cooperation with other ministers, national
and local government bodies, the business community, trade unions and social
organizations;
 Represents the country in international human rights protection bodies;
 Provides guidelines and supervision to the Institute of International Affairs and as well as
to diplomatic missions, consular offices and Institutes abroad.

Embassy
One country's main diplomatic office in another (usually in the capital city of the host country)
where the highest diplomatic officer is the ambassador (or high commissioner, in British
Commonwealth). Embassy premises and all its diplomatic staff fall under the sovereignty of the
ambassador's home country and are protected under the concept of diplomatic immunity by the
host country.

An embassy is a building or complex in one country, that serves as a representative of another

country. The embassy is usually where representatives called “ambassadors” reside, as they
interact with the host country and resolve or mediate disputes.

Purpose

An embassy helps to preserve and protect the relationship between the host country and the
country represented by that particular embassy office. The embassy can be a point of contact, or
base of communication, between two countries.
Benefits

Embassy workers can help resolve conflicts, ease and observe political tensions in the host
country, or reach resolutions on issues as varied as trade tariffs between the host country and the
country of origin. Embassy workers can also assist travelers visiting the host country in distress.

Support Staff

The embassy support staff is typically made up of economic officers who handle economic
disputes and negotiate such things as patents, taxes and tariffs, consular officers who deal with
traveler related issues like issuing visas, and political officers who follow the political climate in
the host country and issue reports to travelers and their home government.

Head of the Embassy

The ambassador is in charge of the support staff and usually gains the position through political
nomination. Ambassadors typically have training in foreign relations before starting the position.

Diplomacy
Diplomacy is the art and practice of conducting negotiations between representatives of states. It
usually refers to international diplomacy, the conduct of international relations through the
intercession of professional diplomats with regard to a full range of topical issues. International
treaties are usually negotiated by diplomats prior to endorsement by national politicians.

Functions and Role of Diplomacy:

In performing its tasks and securing its national objectives, Diplomacy has to undertake a
number of functions.

Major Functions:

(1) Ceremonial/Symbolic Functions:

The diplomats of a nation are the symbolic representatives of the state and they represent their
state and government in all official ceremonies and functions as well as in non-official, social
and cultural functions held in the place of their postings.

(2) Representation:

A diplomat formally represents his country in a foreign state. He is the normal agent of
communication between his home office and that of the state to which he is accredited. His
representation is legal and political. He can vote in the name of his government. Of course, in
doing so he is totally bound by the directions of his home office and the foreign Policy of the
nation.

(3) Negotiations:

To conduct negotiations with other states is a substantive function of diplomacy. They are the
channels of communication which handle the transmission of messages between the foreign
ministries of the parent state and the host state. Along with the nature of the message, the manner
and style of delivering the message greatly influences the course of negotiations. It is mainly
through negotiations that a diplomat seeks to secure agreements and compromises over various
conflictual issues and problems among states.

The role of diplomacy in conducting negotiations has, however, declined in our times because of
the emergence of multilateral diplomacy, personal diplomacy political diplomacy, summit
diplomacy and the direct communication links among the world leaders and top statesmen. The
diplomats today do not play as great a role in international negotiations as used to be previously
played by them.

(4) Reporting:

Reporting involves the observation of the political, economic, military and social conditions of
the host country and the accurate transmission of the findings of the diplomat to his home
country. The political reporting involves a report about the assessment of the roles of various
political parties in the politics of the host country. It seeks to assess the friendliness or hostility of
the various political groupings towards the home state, and the power potential of each party or
organization.

Economic reporting involves sending of reports to the home office containing general
information about the economic health and trade potential of the host country. Military reporting
involves an assessment of the military might, intentions and capabilities, and the strategic
importance of the host country.

(5) Protection of Interests:

Diplomacy is always at work for protecting and promoting the interests of the nation and its
people living abroad. Protection of interests is the “bedrock of the practice of diplomacy.” It
works to secure compatibility out of incompatibility through accommodation, reconciliation and
goodwill.

A diplomat always attempts to prevent or change practices which he feels are discriminatory to
the interests of his country. It is his responsibility to protect the persons, property and interests of
such citizens of his country as are living in the territory of the state to which he stands posted.

Through all these functions, diplomacy plays an important role in international relations.
Press Releases of Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Pakistan)
Media queries on leakage of confidential UN report in Indian media

(2019-03-07) Responding to media questions about leaks in the Indian media of a confidential
UN Ombudsperson report regarding de-listing, the Spokesperson said that we have neither seen
the report of the Ombudsperson nor its findings since it is a confidential document. We will
respond to the report as and when it is made available to us.

The Spokesperson drew attention to the prescribed UN procedure for filing listing and de-listing
requests by individuals and entities. Every listed individual or entity is legally entitled to submit
de-listing requests directly with the UN Ombudsperson.

The Spokesperson added that such leaks are neither new nor surprising. They only reinforce
longstanding concerns expressed by Pakistan about deliberate attempts to politicize the UN
counter-terrorism sanction regime to advance self-serving political agendas. The Spokesperson
expressed the hope that relevant UN Sanctions Committee will investigate such leaks and hold
those responsible to account.

Visit of Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H.E Mr. Adel Al Jubeir (7 March 2019)

(2019-03-07) H.E Mr. Adel Al Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia, called on the Foreign Minister today. He was on a one-day visit to Pakistan, to
follow up on the visit of HRH Muhammad bin Salman on 17-18 February 2019.

The Foreign Minister while welcoming Mr. Adel Al Jubeir expressed appreciation for Saudi
Arabia's steadfast support to Pakistan, especially the Crown Prince's offer to help resolve the
current stand-off between the two neighbours.

With regard to the Crown Prince's landmark visit to Pakistan last month, Makhdoom Shah
Mahmood Qureshi appreciated the announcement of the release of 2107 Pakistani prisoners,
increase in the Hajj Quota to 200,000 and Road to Mecca Project. He expressed confidence that
the establishment of Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council will help in advancing
bilateral relations in a targeted and time bound manner.

H.E Mr. Adel Al Jubeir conveying sincere wishes of Saudi Crown Prince to the leadership and
people of Pakistan, expressed deep appreciation for Pakistan's restraint in the existing charged
environment. Taking note of Pakistan's peace overtures to de-escalate the situation, he assured
the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom's support to seek peaceful settlement of all outstanding
disputes between Pakistan and India.

The Saudi Minister of State also called on the Prime Minister and COA.
Telephone Call by Canadian Deputy Foreign Minister to Foreign Secretary

(2019-03-07) The Foreign Secretary held an hour long telephonic conversation with her
Canadian Counterpart and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Ian Shugart in the evening of
7 March 2019. They reviewed the state of play in the bilateral relationship and the evolving
regional situation. Foreign Secretary was scheduled to travel to Ottawa for the next round of Pak-
Canada Bilateral Political Consultations on 7 March but the visit was postponed due to the
prevailing security situation.

The two sides took stock of the key areas of bilateral interest including enhancing political
engagement, exploring avenues of economic cooperation, bilateral trade and consular matters.
The Foreign Secretary informed Mr. Shugart on the Government's priority to facilitate foreign
investors and invited Canadian businesses to explore the huge potential of the Pakistani market.
Challenges to Pakistani nationals for obtaining Canadian visas were also discussed.

The Foreign Secretary availed the opportunity to brief her Canadian counterpart on the ongoing
situation between Pakistan and India. She underscored Pakistan's commitment to peace and
stability in the region and highlighted the repeated overtures by the Prime Minister of Pakistan to
de-escalate tensions across the Line of Control. Return of the Indian pilot Wing Commander
Abhinandan with honor to the Indian side within two days of his captivity on the Pakistani soil
was a reflection of Pakistan's resolve to lower the tension in the region, she remarked.

Canadian Deputy Foreign Minister, Ian Shugart expressed satisfaction at the historically
cooperative ties with Pakistan and agreed to greater high level exchanges to give further impetus
to the relationship. He appreciated Pakistan's gestures to de-escalate the regional situation and
reiterated Canadian government's stance suggesting restraint and diplomatic engagement
between Pakistan and India.

Visit of Foreign Minister of Luxembourg to Pakistan

(2019-03-07) Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi received Minister for
Foreign and European Affairs of Luxembourg Jean Asselborn at the Foreign Office today.The
two ministers discussed a wide range of regional and bilateral issues of mutual interest and
agreed to enhance cooperation in political, trade and economic, educational and cultural spheres.

The Foreign Minister briefed his Luxembourg counterpart on the current situation in the region,
including the Indian aggression against the territorial integrity of Pakistan. He added that it was a
gross violation of the international law and Pakistan had responded in self defence. Pakistan did
not want any further escalation. The captured Indian pilot was also released as a gesture of peace.
He said that Pakistan had offered India to engage in dialogue to address all outstanding issues.
Foreign Minister Asselborn appreciated steps taken by Pakistan towards promotion of regional
peace and stability.
On bilateral relations, Foreign Minister Qureshi highlighted the need for broadening the base of
institutional cooperation and to enhance trade and economic cooperation. He invited
Luxembourg companies to invest in information and communication technology, health and
environment sectors. The two sides agreed to explore opportunities of cooperation in green
energy and gems and jewelry sectors.

The two ministers expressed satisfaction at the cooperation between the two at the international
fora, including at the United Nations and the European Union, and agreed to continue supporting
each other.

Foreign Minister Asselborn assured full cooperation of his government for working together with
the government to enhance bilateral relations in all areas of mutual benefit.

Mr. Asselborn's visit from 6-7 March 2019 is the first ever visit by a Foreign Minister of
Luxembourg to Pakistan. He will also make a courtesy call to the Prime Minister during his stay
in Islamabad.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister's visit to Pakistan

(2019-03-06) Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou visited Pakistan on March 5-6,
2019.

He called on Pakistan leadership including the Prime Minister, the Chief of Army Staff and the
Foreign Minister. He also held talks with the Foreign Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs.

Both Pakistan and China reaffirmed their time-tested and all weather strategic cooperative
partnership.

Pakistan thanked China for its steadfast support. Vice Foreign Minister was briefed on Pakistan's
efforts to resolve all issues with India through dialogue.

Vice Foreign Minister Kong underscored that Pakistan and China are close friends and partners.
He reiterated China's support to Pakistan for peace and stability in the region. He also
acknowledged Pakistan's measures against terrorism.

Both sides noted with satisfaction the strong bonds in their bilateral relations and agreed to
further enhance cooperation and coordination at all levels.
OIC reaffirms its unwavering support to the Kashmiri people

(2019-03-02) The OIC Ministerial meeting that concluded today in Abu Dhabi reaffirmed its
unwavering support for the Kashmiri people in their just cause.

In a resolution adopted by the 46th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM), the OIC
member states reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir remains the core dispute between Pakistan and
India and its resolution is indispensable for the dream for peace in South Asia.

The OIC resolution also condemned in the strongest terms recent wave of Indian terrorism in
Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and expressed deep concern over the atrocities and human rights
violations in IoK.

The resolution also reminded the international community of its obligation to ensure
implementation of UN Security Council resolutions on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

In the context of current volatile situation in the region, the OIC member states adopted a new
resolution sponsored by Pakistan, which expressed grave concern over the Indian violation of
Pakistani airspace; affirmed Pakistan's right to self-defence; and urged India to refrain from the
threat or use of force.

This OIC resolution on regional peace and security in South Asia also welcomed Prime Minister
Imran Khan's renewed offer of dialogue to India and the goodwill gesture of handing over the
Indian pilot. The resolution called for restraint and de-escalation as well as the need to resolve
outstanding issues through peaceful means.

In another significant development, the OIC elected Pakistan as a member of its Independent
Permanent Human Rights Commission from the Asian region, in acknowledgement of Pakistan's
constructive contribution to human rights discourse, norms and policies.

The OIC adopted two other resolutions sponsored by Pakistan on international disarmament and
non-proliferation issues and reform of the UN Security Council.

The strong OIC support to the people of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the centrality
of this core issue to regional peace is recognition of the key role that Pakistan plays as a founding
OIC member.

Pakistan boycotted the plenary session of the 46th CFM at the Foreign Minister level.