On the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, we pay tribute to the women who have served with distinction in advancing dialogue, understanding and cooperation among nations. Their work has strengthened international engagement and supported the peaceful resolution of disputes in difficult and often uncertain circumstances.
Pakistan has a long record of women contributing to diplomacy and public life. Begum Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan represented Pakistan abroad in its early years with dignity and distinction. Begum Shaista Ikramullah, a pioneering diplomat and parliamentarian, was among Pakistan’s earliest representatives at the United Nations who played an important role in advancing human rights and amplifying the voice of newly independent nations. Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the first woman Prime Minister in the Muslim world, expanded Pakistan’s international engagement and strengthened its place in global forums.
Over time, Pakistani women have served in senior positions across the foreign service, including as ambassadors, permanent representatives, foreign secretaries and heads of mission. They have represented the country in bilateral relations, at the United Nations and in other multilateral institutions.
Their contributions are visible across all areas of diplomacy. They help advance Pakistan’s interests while keeping open channels of communication, particularly at moments when tensions between states are high and when careful negotiation is required. In a period shaped by armed conflict, geopolitical tension, climate-related pressures, technological change and new security risks, their role remains central to steady and credible engagement.
The ultimate purpose of diplomacy is to create conditions for peace, progress and prosperity. Advancing these objectives requires careful preparation, disciplined negotiation, close attention to detail and the ability to understand differing perspectives. Women diplomats have made important contributions in all these areas and continue to strengthen diplomatic institutions through their professionalism, skill and commitment to public service.
Pakistan remains committed to ensuring equal opportunity in public service. Our Constitution guarantees equal rights and equal treatment under law, and we continue to support the full participation of women in national institutions, including foreign service. Increasing numbers of Pakistani women now serve with distinction in diplomatic missions and international organisations, carrying responsibility in demanding environments and complex negotiations.
Recent diplomatic developments have again highlighted the value of sustained engagement and quiet diplomacy. Pakistan’s facilitation of a memorandum of understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran reflects this approach, centred on dialogue and the avoidance of escalation. Pakistani women diplomats, alongside their colleagues, have contributed to these efforts in various capacities and continue to play an important role in advancing Pakistan’s engagement at multilateral forums, including the United Nations.
On this day, I extend appreciation to all women diplomats of Pakistan, past and present. Their service has strengthened Pakistan’s standing abroad and added substance to its diplomatic work. Their contribution remains part of an ongoing national effort to engage the world with seriousness, discipline and purpose.
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