The Passing Out Ceremony of the Thirty Second Specialized Diplomatic Course of the officers of Foreign Service of Pakistan was held at the Foreign Service Academy (FSA) today. Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar was the Chief Guest. The Ceremony was also attended by Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani and other senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Felicitating the graduating officers on joining “the first line of defence”, Foreign Minister Khar said that from here on the pursuit of national interest and national interest alone, must become the guiding principle of their professional and personal conduct while serving the common people of Pakistan should remain their prime objective.

Talking about Pakistan’s Foreign Policy directions, the Foreign Minister said that Pakistan had been single mindedly focusing on improving relations with all its immediate neighbors including Afghanistan and India.

Regarding India, the Foreign Minister noted that despite difficult relations in the past, Pakistan strongly believed that the only way forward was through building trust and confidence. Pakistan remains committed to resolve all outstanding issues between the two countries through a meaningful dialogue, she added.

Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani in his remarks underscored the legacy of the Foreign Service, calling it one of the meritorious services of Pakistan. He said that the Foreign Service of Pakistan had always been known for its deep commitment, unflinching loyalty and an earnest pursuit of excellence. Twenty-first century diplomacy necessitated creativity, connectivity and communication. He hoped that these young officers would uphold the legacy of this service and serve the nation with distinction.

At the end of the Ceremony, certificates were distributed among the junior officers. Top position holders in the areas of overall assessment (Muhammad Jawad Ajmal) and academics (Muhammad Adil) were awarded shields. Top three position holders of the previous batch (thirty-first Specialized Diplomatic Course), Khadija Hayat, Fahad Mumtaz and Najmus Seher were awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze medals respectively

08 March, 2013