Islamabad: At a time when many important developments are taking place on both the international and regional fronts, the Foreign Office has decided not to convene an ambassadors’ conference this year.
Every year during the Christmas holidays, the Ambassadors’ Conference brings out the priorities of ambassadors and high commissioners posted in important world capitals and provides in-house consultations to shape foreign policy.
The conference is usually held in the first week of January, in which diplomats also suggest measures to the government to advance foreign policy.
A Foreign Office source told The Express Tribune on Monday that no plans for an ambassadors’ conference are under consideration this year. No reason was given for abandoning the annual practice.
Another source said that informal consultations will be held with some ambassadors present in Islamabad during the Christmas holidays, but no formal ambassadors’ conference will be held.
The gathering of diplomats is a high-level event, with the prime minister also attending one session. At the end of the conference, Pakistani ambassadors abroad make their suggestions and recommendations.
It is not clear why the Foreign Office has decided not to hold the ambassadors’ conference. The general impression is that the current Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, is the least interested in foreign policy.
Some observers believe that the government should have appointed a foreign minister who can focus entirely on work. Ishaq is more interested in economic matters as he heads several committees related to economic policies.
Some observers believe that it is strange that no diplomats’ conference is being held at a time when the world is facing many challenges. There is a conflict in the Middle East. The ongoing developments in Syria could also cast a shadow over Pakistan.
