Ibtasam-ul-Haq was a Pakistani diplomat who served his country with distinction for over four decades. He was known for his expertise in international relations and his dedication to promoting peace and stability in the region. Haq was born in Lahore in 1949 and graduated from the University of Punjab in 1971 with a degree in Political Science. He then went on to pursue a career in the Foreign Service, joining the Pakistan Embassy in Tehran in 1973.
Early Career
Haq's early career was marked by his service in various diplomatic missions around the world. He served in the Pakistan Embassy in Tehran, Iran from 1973 to 1976, and then in the Pakistan Embassy in London, UK from 1976 to 1980. From 1980 to 1983, he was posted to the Pakistan Embassy in Washington D.C., where he played a key role in strengthening the relationship between Pakistan and the United States.
Role in the Afghan War
Haq played a critical role in Pakistan's efforts to support the Afghan resistance against Soviet occupation during the 1980s. He was posted to the Pakistan Embassy in Kabul from 1983 to 1986, where he worked closely with the Afghan resistance leaders and helped to coordinate the flow of weapons and supplies to the resistance fighters. He was later posted to Islamabad, where he continued to work on the Afghan issue as Director General of the Afghan Bureau.
Role in Nuclear Diplomacy
Haq also played a critical role in Pakistan's nuclear diplomacy during the 1990s. He served as Pakistan's Ambassador to the United Nations in New York from 1996 to 1999, where he worked tirelessly to build support for Pakistan's position on the nuclear issue. He was later appointed as Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States in 1999, where he was instrumental in defusing tensions between Pakistan and the US over the nuclear issue.
Later Career
Haq continued to serve in various diplomatic positions after his retirement from the Foreign Service in 2008. He was appointed as Pakistan's Special Envoy to the Middle East in 2011, where he played a key role in promoting peace and stability in the region. He was also a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan from 2013 to 2018, where he served as Chairman of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Legacy
Ibtasam-ul-Haq's legacy as a diplomat and public servant is one of dedication, professionalism, and service to his country. He was widely respected both in Pakistan and abroad for his expertise in international relations and his commitment to promoting peace and stability. Haq passed away in 2021 at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ibtasam-ul-Haq was a Pakistani diplomat who dedicated his life to serving his country and promoting peace and stability in the region. He played a critical role in Pakistan's efforts to support the Afghan resistance against Soviet occupation, as well as in Pakistan's nuclear diplomacy during the 1990s. His legacy as a diplomat and public servant is one of dedication, professionalism, and service to his country. Haq will be remembered as one of Pakistan's most distinguished diplomats and a true patriot.
