Performance of embassies,high commissions satisfactory: Sartaj Aziz

Performance of embassies,high commissions satisfactory: Sartaj Aziz

ISLAMABAD, DEC 14 (APP): Advisor to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz Monday informed the Senate that performance of Foreign Ministry, Embassies and High Commissions was satisfactory and comparatively better  for the last two years.

Speaking on the motion of Senator Chaudhry Tanvir Khan that the House may discuss the ways and means to improve the efficency of Pakistan’s embassies and missions abroad,  he said that Pakistan’s relations with USA,  European countries and Turkey had improved, which was manifestation of the fact that our foreign diplomacy was on right track and performance of embassies and high commissions was satisfactory.

He, however, admitted that there was need to bring further improvement in the performance of the foreign missions.

Sartaj Aziz said that second important task of foreign missions was to enhance economic and trade ties with other countries adding that Prime Minister Muhammed Nawaz Sharif had categorically directed embassies and high commissions to concentrate on enhancing economic and trade ties.

He said there was a proper mechanism to evaluated performance and contribution of foreign missions.

Regarding welfare of Pakistani community abroad, he said that the Prime Minister issued three circulars directing Councilors and embassies staff to focus on welfare of Pakistani expatriates.

He said foreign missions were providing facility of lawyers to Pakistani citizen in foreign jails and other facilities.

He said NADRA system, facilitation centers , computer tokens and other facilites had been introduced in Pakistani embassies and high commissions.

Sartaj Aziz appreciated the role of foreign mission in repatriation of   Pakistani citizen from troubled regions like Syria, Labyia, Yamen and earthquake-hit Nepal.

He said that Pakistani embassies and high commissions were holding cultural events, special days to highlight soft image of the country and showcased sacrifices of Pakistani people and armed forces in war on terrorism.

He said that image of the country had improved with improvement of over-all law and order situation inside the country and strengthening of the democracy.

He said performance and achievements of foreign missions were also presented to the Prime Minister and Cabinet Divisions.

He appreciated suggestions of senators for improving efficiency of Paksitan’s embassies and missions abroad and assured to implement them.

APP Services