Brussels, (Unib Rahid) – Serving as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union from August 1998 to May 2001, Ambassador Dehlavi carried to Brussels not only the responsibility of representing Pakistan at a pivotal international platform, but also the values that defined his entire career — integrity, discretion and unwavering commitment to national interest.

At a time when diplomacy increasingly demanded both strategic vision and nuanced engagement, Ambassador Dehlavi embodied the finest traditions of Pakistan’s Foreign Service.

Born into the Foreign Service of Pakistan family— his father, Samiullah Khan Dehlavi, having served as Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary and earlier Ambassador to France— Ambassador Dehlvi developed an early understanding of statecraft and diplomacy. Ambassadors Samiullah Khan and Saidulla Khan hold the distinction of becoming the first “father and son” Ambassadors of Pakistan. Educated at Oxford and gifted with exceptional command of multiple languages including French, Turkish, English and Urdu, he became one of Pakistan’s most accomplished career diplomats.

His professional journey extended across continents and critical moments in Pakistan’s diplomatic history. Before arriving in Brussels, Ambassador Dehlavi had already built a distinguished reputation through his long and respected service in Paris. His professionalism and contribution were recognised internationally through prestigious French honours including the Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite and the Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur.

Those who knew him remember a man of rare humility — a diplomat who believed service to country required quiet strength rather than public applause. Former Foreign Secretary Ambassador Riaz Hussain Khokhar described him as one of Pakistan’s finest career diplomats and credited him with contributing to several important foreign policy achievements.
After retiring in 2001, Ambassador Dehlavi continued his distinguished public service as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Aga Khan University.

In remembering Ambassador Dehlavi, we honour a generation of diplomats who represented Pakistan with distinction.