No envoys moot despite raging global conflicts

FO sources say informal consultations with certain diplomats planned

ISLAMABAD:

At a time when a host of developments are unfolding both on international and regional fronts, the Foreign Office has decided against convening this year's envoys' conference, a staple feature of the diplomatic calendar during the Christmas break.

The envoys' conference, traditionally held in early January, gathers ambassadors and high commissioners posted in key world capitals for in-house consultations to fine-tune Pakistan's foreign policy.

Envoys provide input and propose measures for advancing the country's diplomatic objectives.

A source in the FO confirmed to The Express Tribune on Monday that no plans exist for holding the conference this year. No reason was given for abandoning the annual practice.

Another source said that while there will be informal consultations with certain ambassadors, who will be in Islamabad for Christmas break, there will be no formal envoys' conference.

The huddle of envoys is a previously high-profile affair where the prime minister also attends one of the sessions. At the end of the conference, envoys submit recommendations and proposals for future foreign policy initiatives.

The absence of the conference this year has raised eyebrows. Observers point out that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar appears to show minimal interest in foreign policy, focusing instead on economic matters as he heads multiple committees overseeing the government's economic strategy.

Critics argue that the government should have appointed a dedicated foreign minister to handle foreign policy.

The decision to forgo the envoys' conference comes at a time of global challenges. Conflicts in the Middle East are raging while the unfolding developments in Syria could also cast a shadow on Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will undertake an official visit to Egypt from December 18-20 to participate in the Developing Eight (D8) Summit being held in Cairo.

According to the FO statement, preceding the summit, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar will attend the 21st Session of the D-8 Council of Ministers on 18 December 2024.

The theme of the 11th D-8 Summit is "Investing in Youth and Supporting SMEs: Shaping Tomorrow's Economy."

At the summit, the prime minister will underline the importance of investing in youth and SMEs to build a strong and inclusive economy, creating jobs, advancing innovation and promoting local entrepreneurship.

He will express Pakistan's strong commitment to the ideals of D-8, underscore the importance of fostering partnerships for mutual benefit and prosperity and promoting cooperation in agriculture, food security and tourism.

He will also underline Pakistan's incentives for youth empowerment and financial development.

The prime minister will also attend the Special Session of D-8 on the Humanitarian Crisis and Reconstruction Challenges in Gaza and Lebanon to deliberate on the situation resulting from Israeli aggression in the Middle East.

He will underline Pakistan's principled position on the situation in Palestine and call for peace in the Middle East.

On the sidelines of the summit, the prime minister is expected to hold bilateral meetings with participating leaders.