Pakistani envoys discuss key challenges in neighbourhood

A three-day conference of Pakistani envoys opened here on Tuesday, focusing on major challenges Islamabad is facing particularly in its immediate and extended neighbourhood, in the light of recent developments within the region.

Pakistani ambassadors from 14 countries deputed to South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) and Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) regions are participating in the conference, Dawn news reported citing Foreign Office spokesperson Qazi Khalil.

The conference was formally opened by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's key advisor Sartaj Aziz, who highlighted main challenges facing Pakistan and asked the country's envoys to be proactive in their diplomacy in order to meet these challenges.

"During the three-day meet, the envoys will deliberate on connectivity within the region and would formulate recommendations for the consideration of the country's leadership," said Khalil.

Pakistani envoys deputed to India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, Central Asian states and other SAARC states are attending the conference.

Pakistani High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit is expected to brief the meet over key challenges which Pakistan faces from the Indian leadership and their anti-Pakistan statements.

Pakistan's envoy to Afghanistan Syed Ibrar Hussain would also brief the conference over key developments in Kabul which might impact Pakistan.