Govt to bring about change in the foreign ministry

The federal government of Pakistan has decided to prepare a comprehensive summary based on the recommendations sought from officers to bring reforms in the foreign affairs ministry. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting, chaired by Adviser to the Prime Minister on Institutional Reforms Ishrat Hussain, at the foreign ministry, according to sources. The four-hour-long meeting on institutional and civil service reforms was attended by all additional secretaries, directors general, other officials and recently retired officers of the foreign ministry. It was decided in the meeting to increase the authority and resources of diplomats appointed to various countries, and give merit fundamental importance in the appointment of officers while ensuring economic development and trade remain on top of the foreign policy agenda. The sources said that reservations over the appointment of a large number of non-career diplomats abroad were expressed. Appointments on political basis in nine countries had been withdrawn, while appointments of diplomats would be done on merit and non- career diplomats would be discouraged. It was also decided in the meeting that the duration for the appointment of diplomats would be determined and no change would be made before it ended. It was decided that diplomats would be appointed to countries on the basis of their educational skills, capability, and regional knowledge. “It will be made mandatory for diplomats to have complete grip of local language and special courses will be offered,” said the source, quoting the minutes of the meeting. The PM’s adviser issued instructions for the provision of facilities and incentives to Pakistanis abroad. It was also decided at the meeting that the performance of the consulates would be monitored closely. The series of consultations to bring about reforms in the foreign ministry would continue and a report would be compiled on a monthly basis, the sources added.