--- title: 'Conversation With a Diplomat : An Exclusive Interview With H.E. Syed Haider Ali Shah' url: 'https://thediplomaticinsight.com/conversation-with-a-diplomat-an-exclusive-interview-with-h-e-syed-haider-ali-shah/' author: 'Web Desk' date: '2026-06-16T15:08:59+05:00' categories: - 'Interviews' --- # Conversation With a Diplomat : An Exclusive Interview With H.E. Syed Haider Ali Shah In this exclusive episode of Conversation With a Diplomat by DiploTV, Ambassador Syed Haider Ali Shah, Ambassador of Pakistan to  Netherlands and Permanent Representative to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), reflects on his personal journey, the realities of diplomatic life, the importance of trust in international relations, and the lessons he has learned throughout more than three decades in Pakistan’s Foreign Service. To watch the full interview, click the link below: **TDI: There is always more to a person than a professional title. Before discussing your diplomatic career, could you tell us about your personal journey and where it all began?** **Ambassador Syed Haider Ali Shah:** I grew up in a military family. My father served in the army, so I spent my childhood in different parts of Pakistan. I completed my matriculation in Quetta, my F.Sc. in Murree, and my bachelor’s degree from Government College Rawalpindi. Later, I earned my LL.B., pursued postgraduate studies abroad, and completed both a postgraduate diploma in international law and an LL.M. I am married and have three children who are currently at different stages of their education and careers. Looking back, it is interesting to see how life progresses—from being students ourselves to watching our children pursue their own paths. Diplomacy has been my profession for more than thirty years, and it has been a rewarding journey.   **TDI: You studied law and initially seemed to be on a legal career path. What led you to choose diplomacy instead?**   **Ambassador Syed Haider Ali Shah: **To be honest, I cannot say that I dreamed of becoming a diplomat as a child. I did not even know diplomacy existed as a profession. The only image I had was from stories about an envoy carrying messages from one king to another. It was much later, during my bachelor’s studies in political science in 1988–89, that I learned about the structure of government and the various civil services, including the Foreign Service. That was the moment I realized this was the career I wanted to pursue. From that point onward, it became my goal, although it took several years of effort before that ambition became reality.   **TDI: What were some of the challenges you faced while pursuing that goal?**   **Ambassador Syed Haider Ali Shah: **The biggest challenge was access to information. Unlike today, information was not readily available. I had never met a serving or former diplomat before joining the Foreign Service. There was no one to guide me, share experiences, or explain how to prepare. Even understanding the CSS examination process was difficult. There was a great deal of misinformation and very little reliable guidance. We had to figure out everything ourselves—from eligibility requirements to examination strategy. At the time, English proficiency was another major obstacle for many candidates. Today, the situation is very different. Students have access to abundant information and resources. However, they face a different challenge: competition. The number of available positions has remained largely unchanged, while the pool of applicants has expanded significantly. As a result, success now depends not only on information but also on the quality of analysis, articulation, and critical thinking.   **TDI: During that period, was there ever a moment when you doubted yourself?**   **Ambassador Syed Haider Ali Shah: **Certainly. There were many moments of uncertainty. During the interview stage, I remember being placed in a group with candidates who appeared far more accomplished than I was. Many had gold medals, international education, and impressive achievements. At that point, I wondered how I could possibly compete with them. However, I learned that faith and perseverance are essential. If you are sincere in your purpose and make every possible effort, you should not lose heart. Success is important, but so is the satisfaction of knowing you gave your best. One of the most valuable lessons I learned is that the journey itself is often more meaningful than the destination. Life is not about reaching a single goal. Every achievement becomes the starting point for another challenge. That is why it is important to enjoy the process and prepare for the long marathon rather than exhausting yourself for a single milestone.   **TDI: Once you entered the Foreign Service, what were the realities of professional life that surprised you?**   **Ambassador Syed Haider Ali Shah: **Like many people, I initially viewed diplomacy through a romantic lens. However, once you join the service, you realize that diplomacy is also a profession with responsibilities, deadlines, evaluations, and administrative work. You have office hours, files, reports, supervisors, and performance reviews. The glamorous image often portrayed in films is only a small part of reality. The work requires discipline, professionalism, and constant learning. One of the most humbling experiences is realizing that no matter how accomplished you were as a student, you begin again as a learner. Official correspondence, drafting briefs, understanding procedures, and following protocols all require specialized skills. In many ways, it feels like starting from scratch.   **TDI: What helped you adapt during those early years?**   **Ambassador Syed Haider Ali Shah:**I learned a great deal from my colleagues and support staff. Many of them had practical knowledge that I lacked. I learned about file management, office procedures, documentation, and even computer applications from people around me. There was a lot of mentorship and guidance. Sometimes it was gentle, and sometimes it was demanding, but it was all part of professional growth. The key is to remain willing to learn and, equally important, willing to unlearn habits that no longer serve you.   **TDI: We are living in an era shaped by artificial intelligence. What is your perspective on AI and its growing role in society?**   **Ambassador Syed Haider Ali Shah: **Technology should serve humanity, not the other way around. We should embrace innovation and use it to assist and facilitate our work. At the same time, the ethical principles that govern human behavior should also govern the use of technology. Artificial intelligence can be extraordinarily useful for processing information, organizing data, and performing repetitive tasks. I have personally used AI for practical purposes. For example, I wanted a structured system to log my activities and reading habits. After struggling with the idea for years, I asked ChatGPT to help create an Excel-based tracking system, and it produced a solution almost instantly. These tools are remarkable, but they must be used responsibly. Technology should not be used to deceive others or present someone else’s work as your own. Ethical use is essential.   **TDI: Diplomatic life often requires moving from one country to another. How do you view this aspect of the profession? Is it exciting or challenging?**   **Ambassador Syed Haider Ali Shah: **It is both. The Foreign Service provides a support system that helps diplomats and their families relocate, but moving still comes with challenges. Settling into a new country, finding schools, arranging housing, managing finances, and adapting to a different culture all require adjustment. For me, the most important consideration has always been my family, particularly my children. They have to leave friends behind and adapt to entirely new environments. That transition can be emotionally difficult. At the same time, there is something incredibly enriching about living in different societies. Every country offers new experiences, new perspectives, and new opportunities to learn. Exposure to different cultures, languages, and histories broadens your understanding of the world. Interestingly, living abroad also changes how you see your own country. You begin to appreciate aspects of your own culture that you may previously have taken for granted.   **TDI: What do you miss most about Pakistan when you are abroad?**   **Ambassador Syed Haider Ali Shah: **Ramadan and Eid. These occasions have a unique atmosphere in Pakistan. The entire society participates in the experience. Preparations begin weeks in advance, markets become vibrant, families gather, and there is a shared sense of anticipation and celebration. While we continue to observe these occasions abroad, it is difficult to recreate the same environment. I think children especially miss the communal spirit and family connections that make these celebrations so meaningful in Pakistan.   **TDI: You are known to be an avid reader. What kinds of books do you enjoy?**   **Ambassador Syed Haider Ali Shah: **I read extensively, particularly history and political science. As one progresses in a diplomatic career, there is greater opportunity to read, analyze, and reflect. I recently began reading “The Incomplete Partition” by Alastair Lamb, which offers fascinating insights into the events of 1946–47. I also greatly admire the works of Francis Fukuyama, particularly his writings on political order and political decay. More broadly, I enjoy reading about world history, China, the subcontinent, and classical thinkers such as Ibn Khaldun. Reading teaches humility. The more you learn, the more you realize how much remains unknown. History, in particular, reveals how interconnected events and societies truly are.   **TDI: After more than three decades in diplomacy, what is the one quality every good diplomat must possess?**   **Ambassador Syed Haider Ali Shah:  **Trust.   Many diplomatic functions can be supported by technology or institutional mechanisms, but trust cannot be replaced. Diplomacy is fundamentally a human endeavor. Relationships are built through conversations, shared experiences, mutual respect, and credibility. Diplomats cultivate relationships because those relationships create understanding. People share information, perspectives, and concerns because they trust one another. Without trust, meaningful engagement becomes impossible. A diplomat represents not only a government but also a society and its values. If people trust you, they are more willing to listen to your perspective, even when they disagree. Trust allows for constructive dialogue and helps advance diplomatic objectives.   **TDI: Finally, what message would you like to share with young people who aspire to follow a path similar to yours?**   **Ambassador Syed Haider Ali Shah: **Cherish your dreams and do not give up on them. A dream must be realistic and meaningful, but once you commit to it, pursue it with sincerity. True commitment is not something you demonstrate to others; it is something you know within yourself. If your goal occupies your thoughts, influences your choices, and motivates you to sacrifice comfort for progress, then you are sincere. Work hard, but understand that success is not always immediate. Resilience is essential. Learn how to cope not only with failure but also with success. Stay humble, remain adaptable, and continue learning. When setbacks occur, do not lose faith in yourself. Reflect on what needs to change. Adjust your strategy, learn from others, and keep moving forward. Human progress has always depended on learning from one another. Be sincere. Be committed. Be resilient. Be humble. If you possess those qualities, you will be well-equipped to face both challenges and opportunities throughout life.