BY: Hurish Shah /FT
ISLAMABAD — The Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Senator Agha Shazaib Durrani, reviewed key diplomatic matters, including appointments and absorptions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan’s mediation efforts in the Iran-US conflict, the President’s visit to Kyrgyzstan and issues concerning Pakistanis in South Africa.
Senator Danesh Kumar, Senator Anusha Rahman Ahmad Khan, Senator Rubina Qaim Khani and Senator Amir Waliuddin Chisti, along with senior officials, attended the meeting.
Foreign Ministry Appointments
The committee reviewed additional details regarding Starred Question No. 24 raised by Senator Danesh Kumar. Officials briefed the committee on deputation, absorption, temporary appointments and recruitment criteria over the past five years.
Officials clarified that deputation appointments are not made under the quota system. Committee members expressed concerns over the absorption of personnel from fields unrelated to the core requirements of the Foreign Service and sought a comprehensive record of appointments, absorptions and the criteria adopted.
Pakistan’s Role in Iran-US Mediation
The committee received a briefing on Pakistan’s mediation efforts in the Iran-US conflict. Officials said Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts contributed to an initial ceasefire on April 8, followed by Islamabad Talks on April 10 and 11, when Iran and the United States reportedly held negotiations for the first time in 47 years.
The briefing also covered the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding on June 18 and subsequent high-level technical talks hosted by Pakistan and Qatar in Switzerland.
The committee appreciated Pakistan’s mediatory role. Officials said the situation in the Strait of Hormuz had affected the global economy, energy supplies and food security, while Pakistan continued to call for maritime security and the normalisation of the situation.
President’s Visit to Kyrgyzstan
The committee reviewed the President’s visit to Kyrgyzstan, describing it as an important step towards strengthening bilateral relations.
Trade and investment, connectivity with Pakistani ports, CASA-1000, QTTA, banking links and business cooperation were identified as key areas for follow-up. The committee stressed that the implementation of commitments would determine the visit’s success.
Situation of Pakistanis in South Africa
The committee also considered a report on the anti-immigrant crisis in South Africa. The Pakistani High Commissioner informed members that four Pakistanis killed in the country had allegedly been targeted over a personal dispute.
Local authorities are investigating the incident, while a suspected contract-killing plot has also emerged. The High Commissioner further raised concerns over the alleged involvement of criminal elements within the Pakistani community.
