ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister asked foreign office to play its role in mitigating country’s economic problems as Ishaq Dar was given maiden briefing on external challenges.

Dar, who in past remained first choice of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz to manage country’s economic and financial affairs, formally assumed role of Foreign Minister.

On his arrival at Foreign Ministry, he was received by Secretary Foreign Affairs Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi and other senior officials.

He was briefed by Foreign Secretary and additional secretaries on Pakistan’s foreign policy and priority areas. As they say old habits die hard, maiden address of Foreign Minister focused more on economic challenges than foreign policy matters.

According to insiders, Dar gave an overall perspective to foreign office bigwigs about state of Pakistan’s economy. He backed his address with numbers and other facts, something that many foreign office officials struggled to comprehend.

One source told that Dar wanted foreign office to play its role in resolving economic problems. He stressed need for economic diplomacy and asked foreign office to task its missions abroad to form their policies accordingly.

He directed officials to focus on encouraging investment from abroad.

Foreign office officials told Minister that current Indian government was following ‘Hindutwa’ policy.

Observers believe that given India is heading for elections therefore Modi government would not like to make any moves showing flexibility towards Pakistan.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 13 2024

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