Islamabad: – Ambassadors, international dignitaries, business leaders, and members of civil society gathered at a high-profile ceremony in Islamabad on Wednesday as Diplomatic Insight Group (DIG) hosted the 7th edition of the Global Ambassador Awards.
The event recognized 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.
Established in 2014, the Global Ambassador Awards aim to acknowledge the efforts of those who have significantly contributed to enhancing Pakistan’s diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations worldwide.
Uniquely, these awards are presented on behalf of the people of Pakistan, serving as a symbol of national gratitude to individuals whose work has advanced dialogue, cooperation, and goodwill with the international community.
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, shared reflections on the group’s journey and its ongoing commitment to promoting international engagement through media, research, and dialogue. She emphasized that these awards represent a shared aspiration for peace, connectivity, development, and promotion of Pakistan’s bilateral and multilateral ties though building a soft image globally.
The award recipients include 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; Yerzhan Kistafin, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan who was also the “Ambassador of the Year;” Dorsaf Maaroufi, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Tunisia; Malick Ceesay, Head of the UNAMA Liaison Office in Islamabad; 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; Saliha Tuna, Country Coordinator of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA); 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); and 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.