Ambassador (retd) Najmus Saqib distinguished himself as a staunch promoter of Pak’s interests: DG ISSI Sohail Mahmood

ISLAMABAD, June 15 (SABAH): Director General Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) Ambassador (retd) Sohail Mahmood has said that Ambassador (retd) Najmus Saqib distinguished himself as a staunch promoter of Pakistan’s interests. He said apart from other aspects of his personality, he is a man of letters.

DG ISSI Ambassador (retd) Sohail Mahmood expressed these views on the occasion of launching ceremony of Ambassador Najmus Saqib’s book, Obiter Dictum here on Thursday.

He remarked, “Some of his key accomplishments that I recall include the successful implementation of medical scholarship program initiated by the Cuban government for needy students from Azad Jammu and Kashmir after the devastating earthquake of 2005.”

He furthered, “In South Africa, High Commissioner Najmus Saqib helped in promoting multi-dimensional relations as part of Pakistan’s deepening engagement with the relevant countries. In Brazil, he achieved a significant achievement by opening a new defense dialogue platform and enhancing bilateral cooperation.”

He said it is a privilege to speak on this occasion and also welcome other speakers who would be reviewing the book from their respective vantage points and added that ambassador Najm has been his colleague as well as friend since last 38 years. As a diplomat, he said, “Najm went on to represent Pakistan in Dhaka, Ottawa, Madrid, Baku and Nairobi. He also served as our Ambassador to Cuba, High Commissioner in South Africa, and then Ambassador to Brazil with tangible services as a special secretary and director general of the Foreign Service Academy. He is a man of letters as well.”

In the end, DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood remarked, “I should conclude by saying that this is a rich book. Author has dedicated it to the ‘soul of Pakistan’ titled ‘Obiter Dictum’, a Latin phrase that means ‘saying something in passing. Well, he has said deep and profound things — ‘in passing’ — that do have potential of touching soul of people. I wish him well and I pray that he continues to write to satisfy intellectual thirst of his readership – in literature, in diplomacy and in national life. More power to your pen, dear friend, Ambassador Najmus Saqib!”