Asad Abbas Awan

interested in politics and history

[Dan Qayyum @DanQayyum]

The children in Pakistan's factories were rescued because foreigners were watching. The children in Pakistan's living rooms are still there because nobody is.

[Dan Qayyum @DanQayyum]

A Pakistani content creator offered ordinary Pakistanis a wad of cash to burn the Indian flag.

Every single person refuses.

You can manufacture outrage. You can monetize hatred. But sometimes ordinary people remind you that patriotism does not require dehumanising your neighbour.

That is the Pakistan I recognise.

[Massimo @Rainmaker1973]

If you missed the solar eclipse, this is what it looked like:

[Pakistan Embassy Belgium @PakinBrussels]

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀
𝑨𝒎𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒓 𝑱𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒍 𝑨𝒃𝒃𝒂𝒔 𝑱𝒊𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒊
(2009–2012)
The Embassy of Pakistan in Brussels honors the distinguished diplomatic service of Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani @JalilJilani , who served as Pakistan's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and the European Union from 2009 to 2012. His steadfast leadership and strategic outreach left a lasting imprint on Pakistan’s political, economic, and diplomatic ties with the EU.

Ambassador Jilani played a pivotal role in shaping the EU–Pakistan Five-Year Engagement Plan, signed in 2012. This landmark framework elevated bilateral relations beyond trade, laying the foundation for cooperation in political dialogue, security, development, human rights, education, and people-to-people exchanges. Under his stewardship, the EU–Pakistan Strategic Dialogue at the High Representative/Vice President–Foreign Minister level was established, with its inaugural session convened in Islamabad in June 2012.

One of the defining achievements of Ambassador Jilani’s tenure was the launch of Pakistan’s bid to secure GSP+ status with the European Union. Through sustained diplomatic engagement and tireless advocacy with the European Commission, the Council of the European Union, and the European Parliament, Ambassador Jilani played an instrumental role in securing support for Pakistan’s GSP+ bid, laying the foundation for the country’s successful accession to the scheme. This landmark achievement continues to support Pakistan’s economic growth, expand exports, and strengthen its trade partnership with the European Union.

Recognizing Brussels as the centre of Euro-Atlantic diplomacy, Ambassador Jilani also advanced Pakistan’s engagement with NATO, fostering greater understanding on regional peace, security, and counterterrorism. His efforts strengthened Pakistan’s profile as a constructive and valued partner during a period of significant geopolitical change.

Alongside his multilateral responsibilities, Ambassador Jilani worked diligently to deepen Pakistan’s bilateral relations with Belgium and Luxembourg. He promoted structured political consultations, expanded economic and commercial cooperation, encouraged cultural and academic exchanges, and maintained close engagement with the Pakistani diaspora.

Following the devastating floods of 2010, Ambassador Jilani spearheaded an intensive diplomatic outreach in Brussels to mobilise European support for Pakistan. Through sustained engagement with European institutions and partners, Pakistan secured €523 million in assistance from the European Union, making it one of the largest contributors to the flood effected area’s recovery and reconstruction during that critical period.

Ambassador Jilani’s distinguished service in Brussels was followed by appointments to some of Pakistan’s highest diplomatic offices, including Foreign Secretary of Pakistan (2012–2013), Ambassador to the United States (2013–2017), and Caretaker Foreign Minister (2023–2024). These appointments reflected the enduring confidence placed in his diplomatic acumen, strategic vision, and statesmanship. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Public Service and Diplomacy, Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani was awarded the prestigious Hilal e Imtiaz.

As part of our #FromTheArchives series, the Embassy of Pakistan in Brussels proudly pays tribute to Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani’s enduring legacy. His tenure stands prominently among the defining chapters of Pakistan’s engagement with the Europe Union. His service reflected strategic vision, wide-ranging engagement, and substantive achievements that continues to guide us today.
@ForeignOfficePk
@MoIB_Official
@PkPublicDiplo
@rahimhayat

[Pakistan Embassy Belgium @PakinBrussels]

𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨

𝘼𝙢𝙗𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙧 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙛𝙠𝙖𝙩 𝙎𝙖𝙚𝙚𝙙
(Oct 2008-Nov 2009)

The Embassy pays tribute to former Ambassador Mr. Shafkat Saeed, recalling his commendable services in advancing Pakistan’s relations with Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union.

During his tenure in Brussels, Ambassador Saeed was instrumental in convening of the first Pakistan–EU Summit on 17 June 2009, a landmark event that elevated political engagement between Pakistan and the European Union. He also made valuable contributions to Pakistan's economic diplomacy with the European Union, supporting efforts to expand market access for Pakistani exports and to further deepen Pakistan–EU trade and economic cooperation.

Ambassador Saeed played an important role in advancing institutional engagement between Pakistan and the European Union, including through efforts that contributed to the revitalization of the EU–Pakistan Joint Commission, an important mechanism for bilateral cooperation. The Joint Commission continues to remain a significant bilateral mechanism between EU and Pakistan, with its 15th session held last year.

Over the course of his distinguished diplomatic career, Ambassador Saeed represented Pakistan as High Commissioner to South Africa (1997–2001), Ambassador to Kuwait (2001-2003), Iran (2006-2008) and France (2009-2013) making significant contributions to Pakistan's bilateral relations and international engagement.

Ambassador Shafkat Saeed's professionalism and services continue to inspire us today.

@ForeignOfficePk
@MoIB_Official
@PkPublicDiplo
@rahimhayat

[Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani @NYCMayor]

Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal.

[Habibullah Khan @Huk06]

Check out this legend! Jayant Kumar, has been crowned Global Champion at the Harvard Crimson Business Competition (HCBC), one of the most prestigious pre-college business competitions in the world judged by C-suite executives from Fortune 500 companies. Competing against more than 1,000 teams from around the world, most fielding teams of up to four members, Jayant from Karachi Grammar School competed entirely solo and made history as the first Pakistani student to ever qualify for the Global Final of this competition. Then he went all the way and won it!

[Pakistan Embassy Belgium @PakinBrussels]

A proud moment for Pakistan’s sporting legacy. @PakinBrussels hosted the Pakistan National Hockey Team during their visit to Belgium for the FIH Pro League.
The Ambassador @rahimhayat appreciated the team’s dedication and recalled Pakistan’s illustrious hockey history, including our four Hockey World Cup titles. He underscored the role of national teams in projecting Pakistan’s positive image globally and conveyed best wishes for the upcoming matches and the Hockey World Cup, co‑hosted by Belgium & the Netherlands in August.
Head Coach Manzoor‑ul‑Hassan and Captain Ammad Shakeel Butt shared the team’s preparations, high spirits and strong resolve to bring pride to Pakistan.
Members of the Pakistani community also joined the event, warmly welcoming and encouraging the national team.
@ForeignOfficePk
@MoIB_Official
@PkPublicDiplo
@PTVNewsOfficial @RadioPakistan

[Pakistan Embassy Belgium @PakinBrussels]

𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨
H.E. Ambassador Rafat Mahdi
Former Ambassador of Pakistan to Belgium & the European Union (1992–1995)
As part of its “𝓕𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓐𝓻𝓬𝓱𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓼"
initiative, the Embassy of Pakistan Brussels proudly pays tribute to His Excellency Ambassador Rafat Mahdi, a distinguished diplomat whose tenure in Belgium and the European Union left a lasting imprint on Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement with Europe.

Ambassador Rafat Mahdi served as Ambassador of Pakistan to Belgium and the European Union from 1992 to 1995 — a significant period that witnessed the strengthening of Pakistan’s relations with European institutions and the expansion of bilateral cooperation in diverse fields.

During his posting in Brussels, Ambassador Mahdi played an instrumental role in enhancing Pakistan’s engagement with the European Union as the Treaty of Maastricht came into effect in 1993, during his tenure. He also contributed to significant deepening of ties with Belgium in the areas of trade, economic cooperation, diplomacy, and cultural understanding.

Beyond Brussels, Ambassador Mahdi also served Pakistan in several prestigious capacities including High Commissioner to Canada and Zimbabwe and Ambassador to Spain. He further contributed to international diplomacy through his service with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and later as a faculty member at the Milano School of International Affairs in New York.

The Embassy of Pakistan Brussels honors his invaluable contributions and services in enhancing Pakistan–European Union relations and further strengthening the bonds of friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding between Pakistan, and Belgium.
@ForeignOfficePk
@MoIB_Official
@PkPublicDiplo
@epwing_official
@rahimhayat

[Pakistan Embassy Belgium @PakinBrussels]

𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨
Mehdi Masud — A Diplomat Par Excellence
Ambassador of Pakistan to Belgium, Luxembourg & NATO
October 1984 – March 1988

Among the distinguished diplomats who represented Pakistan abroad with exceptional dedication, few careers reflected such breadth of service and commitment as that of Mehdi Masud. A brilliant scholar who topped the Central Superior Services examination in 1952, he joined Pakistan’s Foreign Service and went on to serve the country with distinction for thirty-seven years.

During his remarkable diplomatic career, he served as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Belgium Luxembourg, Germany, Kuwait and Jordan, while also holding important assignments in Washington, Tehran, Colombo, New Delhi and at the United Nations. He was among the rare Pakistani diplomats to have served across multiple missions in India, including New Delhi and Calcutta.

As Ambassador of Pakistan to Belgium, Luxembourg and NATO (October 1984–March 1988), Mehdi Masud strengthened Pakistan’s engagement with Europe at a time of significant geopolitical change and evolving international dynamics.

The high-water mark of his tenure in Brussels was the visit of then Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Khan Junejo, In April 1987. The high profile visit saw Pakistan's delegation hold interactions at the European Economic Community (EEC) and held high-level talks with President of the European Commission, Jacques Delors, further strengthening Pakistan–Europe relations.

Beyond diplomacy, Mehdi Masud remained a scholar and public intellectual. He contributed extensively to national discourse through numerous articles on foreign affairs and public policy, lectured at academic and strategic institutions, and continued serving Pakistan after retirement through think tanks and advisory bodies.

Mehdi Masud belonged to a generation of diplomats who viewed public service as a lifelong responsibility. His distinguished career, intellectual contributions and unwavering commitment to Pakistan continue to inspire future generations of diplomats and public servants.

Some careers are measured by the offices held; others by the lasting impact they leave behind. Mehdi Masud’s legacy reflected both
@ForeignOfficePk
@MoIB_Official
@PkPublicDiplo
@zeinabmasudagha
@rahimhayat

[Ina Lepel @GermanyinPAK]

Germany highly values textiles from #Pakistan! And the EU makes it easy through GSP+!

On the photos, you see my collleague Arno being impressed with the high quality of fabrics in Roomi textile mills in #Multan

#gsp+ #multandairies

[Asad Abbas Awan @AsadAAwan]

RT @PakinBrussels: Ambassador @rahimhayat was formally conferred the esteemed civil award Sitara‑e‑Imtiaz at a solemn and dignified Investi…

[Habibullah Khan @Huk06]

Guy visits 96 countries and shares his top 5 for food. Nah you’ll never guess number 1

[Pakistan Embassy Belgium @PakinBrussels]

𝙁����𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨
Ambassador V.A. Jaffery
Ambassador of Pakistan to Belgium (April 1979 – August 1984)

Vasim Aoun Jaffery, widely known as V.A. Jaffery, remains one of Pakistan’s most respected figures in the fields of economics, finance, public administration, and diplomacy. Born into a highly educated family in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, he received his education at Allahabad University, where Economics and English were among his principal subjects.

Belonging to the first batch of the Civil Service of Pakistan, V.A. Jaffery devoted nearly five decades to distinguished public service. Throughout his remarkable career, he held several key national and international assignments, including Secretary Commerce, Secretary Planning, Secretary Industries, Ambassador of Pakistan to Belgium, Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Chairman Banking Islamization Commission, Executive Assistant to President Ghulam Ishaq Khan, and Adviser on Finance with the rank of Federal Minister during the two terms of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

As Ambassador of Pakistan to Belgium from April 1979 to August 1984, Ambassador Jaffery played an important role in advancing Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement with Belgium and Europe. During his tenure in Brussels, he worked to strengthen bilateral cooperation, promote Pakistan’s economic interests, and deepen diplomatic and cultural ties.

Known for his integrity, perseverance, intelligence, and refined personality, V.A. Jaffery was regarded as a highly cultured and visionary economic manager. His contributions to Pakistan’s governance, diplomacy, and financial institutions continue to be remembered with great respect.
@ForeignOfficePk
@MoIB_Official
@PkPublicDiplo
@epwing_official
@rahimhayat

[Pakistan Embassy Belgium @PakinBrussels]

𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 ��𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨

An important figure in Economic Diplomacy: Ambassador H.E. Qamar ul Islam

A senior member of the Civil Service of Pakistan (CSP), Ambassador Qamar Ul Islam served as Deputy Chairman Planning Commission (1971 - 1973) before his appointment as Pakistan's Ambassador to Belgium. His tenure (December 1973 – January 1979) saw an increase in Pakistan's diplomatic and economic engagement with the EEC as well as with Belgium and Luxembourg. He served during an important phase of Pakistan–Europe diplomatic development where the economic dimension was greatly strengthened through deepening trade and investment linkages.

Ambassador Qamar ul Islam later also served as the Ambassador of Pakistan to Japan between January 1979 and December 1984.

From 1985 to 1988, Ambassador Qamar-ul-Islam served as Chairman of the National Taxation Reforms Commission (NTRC).

His legacy of giving centrality to economic and trade ties continues to guide Pakistan’s engagement with Europe.
@ForeignOfficePk
@MoIB_Official @PkPublicDiplo @rahimhayat @shada_islam

[Rabia Akhtar @Rabs_AA]

https://t.co/slm3K5BRGL

[Pakistan Embassy Belgium @PakinBrussels]

Ambassador @rahimhayat met with the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) of the European Parliament, Mr. David McAllister @davidmcallister.

Views were exchanged on evolving geopolitical developments and Pakistan–EU relations, with particular focus on strengthening parliamentary cooperation and deepening trade relations.

@ForeignOfficePk
@MoIB_Official
@EP_ForeignAff
@europarl_en

[Pakistan Embassy Belgium @PakinBrussels]

𝑭𝑹𝑶𝑴 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑨𝑹𝑪𝑯𝑰𝑽𝑬𝑺
H.E. Ambassador Riaz Piracha (1924–2011) was a prominent Pakistani diplomat who served as the Ambassador of Pakistan to Belgium, Luxembourg and the EEC from October 1968 to October 1970.

In his illustrious diplomatic career, H.E. Riaz Piracha held several high-ranking positions, including serving as Ambassador to Afghanistan and High Commissioner to India. His distinguished career culminated in his rise to the highest position in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; he served as Pakistan's Foreign Secretary from 1980 to 1982.

During his tenure, H.E. Ambassador Riaz Piracha focused on expanding Pakistan's economic footprint in Europe. In this regard, he signed the agreement for preferential *Trade in Handicraft Products:*

H.E. Ambassador Riaz Piracha strengthened Pak-EEC Relations, ensuring that Pakistan remained deeply integrated with the emerging European economic structure during the EEC's formative years.

Today we mark the commendable services of H.E. Ambassador Riaz Piracha.
@ForeignOfficePk
@PkPublicDiplo
@MoIB_Official
@epwing_official
@rahimhayat

[Pakistan Embassy Belgium @PakinBrussels]

Second Secretary @PakinBrussels, Ms. Hadeeqa Qureshi @HadeeqaQ1 delivered Pakistan's statement at the 9th Meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of Two State Solution, in Brussels, on 20 April 2026.
@ForeignOfficePk
@MoIB_Official
@epwing_official
@rahimhayat

[Pakistan Embassy Belgium @PakinBrussels]

Amb @rahimhayat hosted a warm farewell for Ms. Paola Pampaloni @PAMPALONIPAOLA , recognizing her contributions to Pakistan–EU relations.
In her decade of leadership at the EEAS, she has played a pivotal role in strengthening Pakistan–EU ties reflected in the institutionalization of the Strategic Engagement Plan (2019), multiple rounds of Strategic Dialogue, and Joint Commission meetings.
The Embassy deeply values her contributions and wishes her every success in her future endeavors.

@ForeignOfficePk
@eu_eeas