United on the World Stage: Pakistan's Diplomatic Endeavors in 2023

Islamabad - 28 December 2023 (Nasir Abbas): In a recent press briefing, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the Foreign Office Spokesperson, addressed international concerns regarding Baloch protesters, emphasizing Pakistan's capacity to handle internal matters independently. The constitution guarantees freedom of expression, and laws are in place to address such cases. Reflecting on the dynamic year, 2023 witnessed robust diplomatic efforts to elevate Pakistan's international standing. Notable official visits included former Prime Minister's trips to Azerbaijan, Turkiye, the UAE, and the UK, along with Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's extensive visits to various countries. In the latter half of the year, Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar engaged in bilateral visits to Kuwait and the UAE, attending crucial multilateral conferences worldwide. The Foreign Minister, Jalil Abbas Jilani, chaired the 10th Commonwealth Youth Ministers’ Meeting in London. Pakistan hosted high-level delegations from diverse nations, fostering bilateral partnerships and holding political consultations. Multilateral diplomacy remained active, with engagements in the UN, OIC, ECO, and SCO yielding positive outcomes. The year marked Pakistan's success in winning key positions in multilateral bodies, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive multilateralism. Bilateral ties with China, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and the Islamic world flourished, emphasizing mutual trust and dialogue. Specifically, Pakistan-China collaboration celebrated the ten-year milestone of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The MILGEM Class Corvette project with Türkiye and strategic engagements with Saudi Arabia marked significant achievements. In regional affairs, Pakistan aimed for a peaceful and connected Afghanistan and strengthened ties with Iran, inaugurating border sustenance and energy transmission projects. Engagement with Central Asia, Europe, and ASEAN showcased Pakistan's commitment to regional connectivity and prosperity. Pakistan's peaceful neighborhood policy led to positive developments in relations with South Asian countries, except for India. Hindutva-inspired actions hindered normalization, and Pakistan continued to advocate for the Kashmir cause on international platforms. Despite challenges, Pakistan prioritized the welfare of its diaspora, implementing measures for efficient service delivery. Evacuations from crisis zones and initiatives like online attestation demonstrated the commitment to supporting overseas Pakistanis. In conclusion, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed its dedication to promoting external relations and safeguarding national interests on the global stage.