Islamabad (TDI): Diplomatic Insight Group (DIG) organized the 7th edition of the Global Ambassador Awards, which is a flagship initiative of the group to recognize the exceptional contributions of foreign envoys, heads of international organizations, and leading figures from the private and public sectors in fostering Pakistan’s bilateral and multilateral ties.
Ambassadors, international dignitaries, business leaders, and members of civil society gathered at a high-profile ceremony on Wednesday at Mövenpick Hotel.
The event was graced by Minister of State/Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Heritage and Culture – Huzaifa Rehman, and Spokesperson to the President of Pakistan – Murtaza Solangi.
In his remarks, SAPM Huzaifa Rehman said that Pakistan’s diplomatic engagements are rooted in a spirit of cooperation, peace, a vision of interconnected world, and respect for sovereignty. He also said that through international cooperation, Pakistan seeks to unlock its youth potential, and is strengthening its relations with world through public diplomacy.
Spokesperson to the President of Pakistan, Murtaza Solangi, congratulated all award recipients and acknowledged their role in diplomacy and international cooperation. He lauded Diplomatic Insight Group for successfully organizing the Awards.
Chairperson of the Diplomatic Insight Group, Dr. Farhat Asif, in her welcome remarks, shared reflections on the group’s journey and its ongoing commitment to promoting international engagement through media, research, and dialogue.
The Awards were presented in categories including diplomatic excellence, economic and trade partnership, international cooperation and development, and business leadership and investment.
The title of “Ambassador of the Year” was conferred upon Yerzhan Kistafin, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, in recognition of his proactive and sustained role in expanding bilateral cooperation.
Read More: What Are DIG Global Ambassador Awards & What It Takes to Be a Global Ambassador
The awards were conferred on:
- Kamal Bashah Ahmad, High Commissioner of Brunei to Pakistan
- Hannu Ripatti, Ambassador of Finland
- Moamer Abdalmotlab, Ambassador of Libya
- Harerimana Fatou, High Commissioner of Rwanda
- Yusuf Sharifzoda, Ambassador of Tajikistan
- Dorsaf Maaroufi, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Tunisia
In the category of international development and cooperation, Malick Ceesay, Head of the UNAMA Liaison Office in Islamabad and Saliha Tuna, Country Coordinator of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) received the awards.
Other awardees, in various categories, included:
- Sardar Masood Khan, who has represented Pakistan in China, the United States, and at the United Nations
- Dr. Ahmed Ali Sirohey, Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and former ambassador to Niger, Chad, and Burkina Faso
- Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of COMSTECH
- Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Honorary Consul General of Yemen in Karachi
- Ahmad Ikram Lone, Chairman of the Gujranwala Business Centre
- Engr. Umer Mehmood, Director of Mehson Industries Gujranwala
- Raja Najabat Hussain, Chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Self Determination Movement International (JKSDMI)
- Azeem Iqbal, an internationally renowned calligrapher known for promoting Pakistan’s cultural heritage across borders
The Global Ambassador Awards have become a hallmark event in Islamabad’s diplomatic calendar, showcasing Pakistan’s commitment to international cooperation and mutual respect.
This year’s ceremony was attended by a large number of ambassadors, senior government officials, representatives of international organizations, development professionals, academics, and media personnel.
Established in December 2008, The Diplomatic Insight is Pakistan’s premier diplomacy and foreign affairs magazine, available in both digital and print formats.
