President Zardari praises women’s contribution to diplomacy

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has paid tribute to women who have served in diplomacy, saying their role has helped promote dialogue, understanding and cooperation among countries.

In a message issued on the occasion of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, observed annually on June 24, the President Secretariat Media Wing said Zardari praised women who had distinguished themselves in advancing international engagement. He said their efforts had also supported peaceful settlement of disputes in difficult and uncertain situations.

The president cited Pakistan’s own history of women in diplomatic and public roles. According to the statement, he said Begum RaAna Liaquat Ali Khan represented Pakistan abroad in the country’s early years with dignity and distinction, while Begum Shaista Ikramullah was among Pakistan’s earliest representatives at the United Nations and played an important role in promoting human rights and raising the voice of newly independent states.

Zardari also referred to former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, saying she expanded Pakistan’s international outreach and strengthened the country’s standing in global forums. The statement described Bhutto as the first woman prime minister in the Muslim world.