Foreign Office again proves diplomatic success in year 2019

Foreign Office of Pakistan despite facing several challenges has proved once again its diplomatic success throughout the year.

From ceasefire violations to Kartarpur Corridor opening Foreign Office of Pakistan, faced several challenges in the current year.

Lets take a look an yearly review about Foreign Office Performance through out the year.

Foreign Office on Indian Ceasefire Violations

Foreign Office of Pakistan has voiced its serious concerns on the matter of unprovoked ceasefire violations by Indian forces.

Foreign Office summoned first Indian High Commissioner for the ceasefire violation in January this year.

FO has always staged strong protest against the unprovoked firings   that has killed hundreds of innocents on Pakistani borders.

Wing Commander Abhinandan was captured when his MiG-21 among two Indian military aircraft was shot down by Pakistan Air Force after they ventured into the Pakistani airspace.

Abhinandan Release

Pakistan released captured Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman as a “gesture of peace” towards New Delhi and an effort to de-escalate tensions between the two countries.

Foreign Office on Article 370

Pakistan rejected the extremist Indian administration stance of  revocation of Article 370 that wipes out Kashmiri rights.

Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal said that the final decision on Kashmir needs to be made by the United Nations (UN).

India revoked Article 370 of its constitution stripping occupied Kashmir or its special status. In response, Pakistan downgraded its diplomatic ties with India.

Foreign Office of Pakistan requested the international community to take notice of the gross abuse being carried out in the occupied valley.

In regards to the people of the occupied valley, theForeign Office of Pakistan reiterated that they would be supported “politically, diplomatically and morally”.

Afghan Peace Process

Foreign Office of Pakistan not only faced challenges by India but also facilitated in Afghan Peace process.

Furthermore Foreign Office always took the stance for facilitating an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace and reconciliation process in the neighboring country.

Pakistan always desired and encouraged that peace and reconciliation process should be led by the Afghans themselves.

US Taliban Dialogue

Pakistan proved its diplomatic success by aiding the long held US Taliban peace dialogues.

Foreign Office stated Pakistan hopes that it will lead to intra-Afghan negotiations and ultimately to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.

Further more Pakistan Foreign Office encouraged all parties to the conflict to engage constructively as a shared responsibility.

Dr Mohammad Faisal said Pakistan has always maintained that there is no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan.

He said an inclusive peace and reconciliation process, involving all segments of the Afghan society is the only practical way forward.

Harassament of Diplomats

Cases of harassing Pakistani diplomats in India and Afghanistan reported this year.

Pakistan, however, summoned the concerned ambassadors to the office and staged protest in wake of harassment cases.

In Novermber this year The Afghan Charge d’Affairs summoned to Foreign Office.

It summoned to  convey serious concerns over the safety and security of the diplomatic personnel.

However Foreign Office said the Afghan Charge d’Affairs was informed that the officers and staff harassed over the past two days.

Moreover, They were obstructed on the road and the Embassy vehicles were also hit by motorcycles while going towards the Embassy.

Foreign Office on Kartarpur Corridor

Pakistan ensured its diplomatic success opening the long closed Kartarpur corridor.

Moreover, The historic agreement aims to allow the intending Sikh pilgrims visit Baba Guru Nanak’s shrine.

The Sikh minority in India has long sought easier access to the temple, which is just over the border in Pakistan.

5,000 pilgrims  permitted to visit Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib through the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor on any given day

With an additional provision for more pilgrims on special days including Gurpurab, Baisakhi, etc., subject to capacity.

Moreover, Considering the agreement, the amount of revenue Pakistan can generate sums up to $100,000 every day and since the corridor will remain open 365 days of the year, it can potentially generate a direct income of USD36.5 million i.e. about Rs5.55 billion per annum.

The shrine is about 4 km (2-1/2 miles) from the border.

The crossing and corridor – including a road, bridge over the Ravi River and immigration office – will replace a drawn-out visa process and circuitous journey through Pakistan.