ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said media has a pivotal role in image building and modern diplomacy is not possible without a robust engagement with it.
Speaking after the inauguration of New Media Centre here at the Foreign Office on Monday, he emphasized on improving communication skills of the foreign ministry and the media persons, covering activities and developments relating to Pakistan’s foreign relations and engagements.
He said in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, importance of digital diplomacy has increased manifold. He said now foreign ministers of countries are holding video conferences and interacting with one another through ZOOM and other available digital resources.
The Foreign Minister said it is the media, which plays an important role in narrative building and countering anti-Pakistan perception. He said in view of modern challenges, a Strategic Communication Division has been established at the Foreign Office to fight the battle of perception.
He said due to proactive role of Foreign Office, Pakistan’s narrative on Kashmir is being acknowledged at international level including European Parliament and world press.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi said now the international community and the global media are not ready to buy Indian narrative.
He said due to this role, now Pakistan is being viewed as the solution, not the problem and entire world is recognizing the positive role of Pakistan in Afghan peace process.
He said Foreign Service Academy has been shifted to its new campus and its curriculum has also been improved. He said in order to enhance capacity of the Foreign Office, we have strengthened Legal Division.
The Foreign Minister said besides establishing a Kashmir Cell, Crisis Management Unit, Economic Diplomacy Wing, several initiatives have been taken.
He said efforts are being made enhance capacity of Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad as well as the Foreign Minister has taken control of Institute of Regional Studies to upgrade this facility in view of peace in neighbourhood policy.