ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: As part of the Foreign Office reform initiatives, the Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday established a dedicated Public Diplomacy Consultative Group.
Comprising eminent scholars, field specialists, and former ambassadors, the group will consult and advise the Foreign Minister on various aspects of public diplomacy including projecting and promoting Pakistan’s rich cultural, literary, sports, and performing arts heritage.
The additional working groups and committees will be established to spearhead initiatives in the priority areas of digital diplomacy, cultural diplomacy and sports diplomacy.
The Public Diplomacy Consultative Group’s membership includes the Federal Minister for Education, Professional Training and National Heritage Shafqat Mahmood, the former Senator Javed Jabbar, the Ambassador Zamir Akram, the Ambassador Tasnim Aslam, and the Ambassador Shahid Kamal along with Emran Akhtar, Sheherzade Alam and Selina Rashid.
The Director General National Assembly and Senate Affairs Shakeel Asghar will act as the ex-officio focal person.
The establishment of the consultative group on public diplomacy is the latest in a series of reform measures, to bring focused attention to key areas of policy.
Earlier, the advisory council on foreign affairs was set up to conduct independent research on foreign policy issues.
The “Vision Foreign Office” is another platform aimed at inspiring thought Leadership, by promoting a marco-vision amalgamating innovative ideas with technology, establishing a digital landscape and mainstreaming transparent and modern means of communication.
The “FM Connect” is yet another series of curated monthly round tables, providing a unique platform for focused discussions among diverse stakeholders and thought leaders within and outside Pakistan.
Encapsulating the spirit of openness, meritocracy and innovation, the “FM Direct” App breaks fresh ground in digital communication.
The reform measures are being undertaken in pursuance of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision of further enhancing, modernizing and expanding efficacy of Pakistani diplomatic apparatus to meet the demands and challenges of 21st Century diplomacy.
