ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday chaired a brainstorming session in Islamabad with the former senior foreign service officers for an exchange on Pakistan’s foreign policy issues.
The session was attended by the foreign secretary and senior officials of the ministry.
A frank and candid discussion was held on Pakistan’s relations with key countries.
Many valuable inputs and suggestions were made by the participants who bring a wealth of experience in the foreign policy domain.
Read More: Shah Mahmood says foreign policy of Pakistan to be made at Foreign Office
It was highlighted that Pakistan should pursue a proactive foreign policy to present Pakistan’s perspective on national, regional and global issues.
The foreign minister emphasised that such interactions were useful and would be continued in future for informed policy input to the leadership.
In a statement in August, Qureshi said the foreign policy of the country would be made at the Foreign Office.
Answering a foreign journalist in a media briefing in Islamabad, he in a firm and confident tone said, “The foreign policy of Pakistan will be made here at the Foreign Office. (However) Obviously, this is the practice all over the world that you seek input from the national security institutions as institutional memory is invaluable in making the right decisions.
“We will not be shy of engaging with our security institutions for the betterment of Pakistan. Pakistan first is our policy,” he categorically stated.
Shah Mehmood said the United States also took input from the CIA and Pentagon.
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