A condolence meeting in memory of Late Sahabzada Yaqub Khan, former Foreign Minister of Pakistan was held today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Sartaj Aziz, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs. Syed Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs also attended the meeting. Also present on the occasion were former Foreign Ministers, Foreign Secretaries, Ambassadors; and officers of the Ministry. The family members of Late Sahabzada Yaqub Khan also attended the occasion.
Mr. Sartaj Aziz, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, while remembering Late Sahabzada Yaqub Khan’s services to the nation as a soldier and a diplomat remarked that he was a true Statesman, a skillful envoy and a thorough professional. The Adviser stated that being the longest serving Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Late Sahabzada Yaqub Khan played a pivotal role in raising the diplomatic profile and stature of Pakistan among the comity of nations.
In his remarks at the occasion, Syed Tariq Fatemi recalled his long association with Late Sahabzada Yaqub Khan and paid tribute to the former Foreign Minister for his remarkable services to the country. He highlighted the important role played by Sahabzada Sahab in shaping and guiding Pakistan’s national security and foreign policy and his contribution in achieving Pakistan’s major foreign policy objectives.
The meeting ended with Fateha for Eesaal-e-Sawab of the Late Sahabzada YaqubKhan.
Sahabzada Yaqub Khan was Pakistan’s Foreign Minister for the longest duration. He had the unique honour of holding this important portfolio thrice, from 1982-1987, 1988-1991 and 1996-1997. He also served as the Ambassador of Pakistan to France, the US and former Soviet Union.
Islamabad
29 January 2016
