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The choice to convey Pakistan again on observe is as essential as getting one’s priorities so as. Setting one’s priorities turns into much more essential if the out there time to finish one’s agenda is proscribed.
Could it’s providing an olive department to India or sending contemporary bouquets to China & KSA or dispatching greeting playing cards to the US and EU, the success of the brand new PM’s Overseas Coverage would largely rely on the efficiency of the Overseas Service of Pakistan. Sure, one is referring to the Ministry of Overseas Affairs, an integral a part of the Authorities however in dire want of assurances that it really existed within the eyes of policy-makers. Not that it was one of the best Service on the planet however the latest therapy meted out to its Officers by extreme reprimands and on-line bashing or the mismanagement at residence or delay in implementing posting plans and promotions on advantage and repair file or its senior officers diminished to carry out duties as probationers, haven’t solely made a mockery of the as soon as most sought-after Service Group but additionally rendered it virtually ineffective even in its personal eyes.
Think about a Pakistani Ambassador anyplace on the planet attending a routine nationwide day reception the place diplomats of the world and excessive native officers intermingle and change views on bilateral, regional and worldwide points. Think about the sort of stress on him to clarify the main points of a cable he by no means noticed or learn and was required to defend it. Think about the embarrassment when everybody avoids him interested by being erroneously quoted and subsequently defending a posture one won’t have taken. Think about his diplomatic colleagues making enjoyable of him, posing all types of unsettling questions. ‘Take a look at the ability of an unverified cable. It really modified your complete complexion of a rustic’s nationwide political scene, even the federal government. Would Pakistan enable its envoys to speak by cables anymore or observe the SOPs and name them to headquarters to clarify such ‘threats’ in-person? Worst nonetheless, think about he’s denied conferences on the host Overseas Workplace and as a substitute, is requested to convey no matter is to be conveyed, in writing.
The low-morale of the Service may be gauged by the truth that not a single voice was heard in favour of the poor soul whose title ought to be talked about within the Guinness guide of world file as the one envoy in diplomatic historical past whose routine message: grew to become the last word argument to remain in energy; created a thriller round a cold regime-change; witnessed the one NTM in opposition to his nation’s PM succeeding; noticed the emergence of an opposition-led Authorities in Pakistan for the primary time in historical past; and, successfully divided and polarised an already politically weak nation.
One wonders how this cablegate rigmarole would have been dealt with throughout the tenures of Overseas Secretaries who used to run the Ministry of Overseas Affairs themselves or defended their juniors in such excessive circumstances like a strong rock. One feels sorry for the present lot of officers who’re required to defend themselves completely on their very own with out having any cushion between them and the powers that be. It pains to see an erstwhile prestigious establishment dropping not solely its decree but additionally the braveness to not less than converse up on issues immediately associated to the Service not to mention taking part in its anticipated lead-role in formulating the Overseas Coverage. Gone are the times of professionalism when management would depend on assessments made by the Overseas Workplace earlier than addressing coverage issues. Fortunately, one has seen former Overseas Ministers paying informal visits to the Overseas Secretary’s Workplace for a fast piece of recommendation. One has additionally seen Overseas Secretaries saying ‘no’ to the higher-ups, significantly on issues of postings overseas. Or, a dignified Overseas Secretary who resigned as a substitute of compromising on his integrity {and professional} ethics.
The apparently divided and politically polarised nation wants fast pro-active measures not solely on the financial entrance but additionally within the realm of Overseas Coverage. The assurances from the Military Chief and his Commanders of offering inside and exterior ‘safety’ to the nation should encourage PM Sharif to take daring however sensible steps to salvage the dismal nationwide predicament. The nation doesn’t want any guarantees anymore. It wants motion. The introduced aid package deal, the financial reforms and the choice to fix methods and fences with the world should be thought-about as step one in direction of ridding the nation of the ‘wonderland’ created by aimless grandiloquence.
Equally, the disparagingly bruised and clueless Overseas Service of Pakistan wants fast surgical procedure and correct therapy, enabling it to stand up on its ft once more to play its due position in furthering Pakistan’s nationwide curiosity.
PM Sharif might want to deal with the Overseas Service Fraternity together with all Ambassadors posted overseas; give them their due respect; allay their fears of turning into victims of ‘ghosts’, guarantee them of meritocracy and honest play in postings and promotions; require all Ambassadors to make the abroad Pakistanis their in the beginning precedence, second being bringing funding to Pakistan; and, allow them to work as Ambassadors and never medieval-age slaves.
PM might want to require the Overseas Workplace and all Ambassadors to clarify afresh to the world what Pakistan really stands for.
PM might also want to convene pressing Board Conferences for promotions and require the Overseas Workplace to organize posting plans on advantage and guarantee their well timed implementation. Final however not least, the Overseas Minister might let the Overseas Workplace run impartial of his or her ‘constituency politics and constraints’. The Overseas Secretary should carry out his duties because the Principal Accounting Officer (PAO) and be allowed to train all powers vested in him as a Federal Secretary. Maybe, these steps will allow the ailing Overseas Service of Pakistan in weaning off the ventilator.
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