Bilawal appreciates contribution of Pakistani women to diplomacy

ISLAMABAD: Minister of Foreign Affairs Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has appreciated the contributions and achievements of Pakistani women in diplomacy.

“Today as we celebrate International Day of #WomenInDiplomacy, I recognize and honour Pakistan’s women diplomats as they raise the flag high with spirit, grit, and grace,” he said in a tweet.

“We appreciate their contributions to Pakistan’s diplomacy and celebrate their many accomplishments,” he added.

International Day of Women in Diplomacy is being celebrated today on June 24. This year’s theme of the day is “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”.

The day aim’s to reaffirm that women’s participation, on an equal footing with men and at all levels of decision-making, is essential to achieving sustainable development, peace and democracy.

Today as we celebrate International Day of #WomenInDiplomacy , I recognize and honour Pakistan’s women diplomats as they raise the flag high with spirit, grit, and grace. We appreciate their contributions to Pakistan’s diplomacy and celebrate their many accomplishments.

— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) June 24, 2023

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar said the ‘International Day of Women in Diplomacy’ symbolizes global recognition and admiration for women’s accomplishments in the diplomatic realm.

She made these remarks in a message delivered at a roundtable discussion to mark the day by the Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI).

The state minister said, having the great honour of being the first woman foreign minister of Pakistan, this day held great meaning and significance for her personally.

“It both brings satisfaction and strengthens our resolve to continue to do more. Nations proudly showcase their progress in appointing more women in diplomatic roles, deserving commendation for tangible advancements,” she said

She added Pakistan had made notable strides despite socio-economic challenges, with women achieving prominent positions, including a woman prime minister and a young Nobel Prize laureate.

“While celebrating, we must also acknowledge remaining challenges and work together for a future of equal opportunities, amplifying women’s voices and utilizing their expertise in peace-making, peacebuilding, and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

In her remarks, Ambassador Tehmina Janjua, who has had the distinction of being the first woman Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, emphasized that women constitute a crucial component of strategic perspectives.