ISLAMABAD: In a sharp rebuke to the country’s trade diplomacy, a parliamentary panel on Monday severely criticised the underperformance of Pakistan’s Trade and Investment Counsellors abroad, calling for a radical overhaul in how these diplomats engage with foreign markets.

Chaired by Hina Rabbani Khar, the National Assembly’s standing committee on foreign affairs issued a blunt assessment of Pakistan’s current trade diplomacy, stressing that these key officials play an indispensable role in advancing the country’s economic and commercial interests internationally. Yet, according to the panel, their efforts have so far fallen short of expectations.

During the meeting, committee members highlighted a number of pressing administrative and policy challenges within Pakistan’s diplomatic missions.

The committee emphasised the critical need for highly skilled personnel to bolster Pakistan’s economic diplomacy and ensure its competitiveness on the global stage.

There was unanimous agreement on the necessity of comprehensive training, clearer career progression, and rigorous performance evaluations for Trade and Investment Counsellors.

The committee argued that these measures would transform the diplomatic corps from a passive presence into a dynamic force capable of effectively navigating the complexities of international trade.

In a move designed to streamline operations and enhance diplomatic efficiency, members also proposed merging Pakistan’s mission to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) with its permanent mission to the United Nations in Geneva.

The suggestion, driven by the shifting dynamics of global trade, aims to reduce operational redundancies while creating a more cohesive and agile diplomatic framework.

The committee also turned its attention to Pakistan’s diplomatic infrastructure. Currently reliant on costly rented properties, the panel revisited long-standing proposals to transition to ownership of embassy and consulate buildings.

The shift, the committee members argued, could mitigate the mounting financial burden of rental expenses and contribute to more sustainable, long-term operations.

To address the high cost of maintenance and repair, the committee recommended exploring alternative financing models, including long-term mortgages.

In her closing remarks, Khar underscored the urgency of reform within Pakistan’s foreign missions, calling for the professionalisation of diplomacy and a realignment of foreign policy to better reflect the country’s long-term strategic interests.

The committee also called for a thorough review of Pakistan’s overseas diplomatic presence, advocating for a more unified, resource-efficient approach to managing missions abroad.

While acknowledging the “successes” of Pakistan’s foreign diplomacy in certain areas, the committee reiterated the need for policies that are adaptable to the rapidly changing global landscape.—ZULFIQAR AHMAD