Advisory council on foreign policy discusses PM’s upcoming US visit

FM Qureshi briefs members on Britain visit, Commonwealth meeting

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Friday briefed the advisory council on foreign affairs regarding his recent visit to Britain and the meeting with foreign ministers of the Commonwealth as well as Prime Minister Imran Khan’s expected visit to the United States and the Afghan peace process.

Foreign Secretary Sohail Mehmood, former ambassadors, former foreign secretaries and international affairs’ experts who are members of the 19-member council attended the meeting.

The council – constituted on the orders of Prime Minister Imran Khan to provide input on foreign policy – includes Salman Basheer, Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, Muhammad Sadiq, Dr Riffat Hussain, Dr Huma Baqai, Dr Hasan Askari Rizvi, Dr Adil Najam, Dr Rabia Akhter and Qasim Niaz among others.

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The foreign minister apprised the council regarding bilateral meetings held with foreign ministers of Commonwealth nations during his trip to Britain. He informed the committee that Pakistan earned the praise of the secretary general of the Commonwealth for its role as an active member of the 53-member association.

The meeting discussed in detail the impact of PM Imran’s expected visit to the United States on mutual relations of the two countries as well as its role in the Afghan peace process.

“Pakistan supports peace and stability in the region and, therefore, is playing a reconciliatory role in the Afghan peace process with sincerity. The world is appreciating these efforts,” the foreign minister was quoted as saying.

It also discussed the promotion of foreign investment through economic diplomacy to deal with economic challenges.

The advisory council, whose members work in an honorary capacity, was formed as the foreign policy is often criticised for focusing too much on defence at the expense of social aspects, the FM had said when the committee was formed.

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A secretariat comprising designated officials of the foreign affairs ministry assists the council in its work.

The minister for law and justice, minister for finance and economic affairs, adviser on commerce, textile, industry and production and investment or their representatives, foreign secretary, director general of the Institute of Strategic Studies, director general of the Foreign Services Academy and additional secretary of foreign affairs will also be ex-officio members of the council.

The minister for foreign affairs may appoint ad hoc additional council members with expertise and specialisation in different areas, if deemed necessary.

Veteran academics associated with reputed universities in Pakistan and abroad are also part of the advisory council.