Brussels, (Unib Rashid) – The Embassy of Pakistan in Brussels has highlighted the diplomatic tenure and key achievements of former Ambassador of Pakistan to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union, Zaheer Aslam Janjua, as part of its ongoing “From the Archives” series.

Ambassador Janjua led Pakistan’s diplomatic mission in Brussels from September 2019 to May 2022, representing Pakistan in its bilateral relations with Belgium and Luxembourg and in its engagement with the European Union and NATO.

According to the embassy, his tenure focused on strengthening institutional partnerships, advancing economic diplomacy and deepening Pakistan’s engagement with European stakeholders.

A major focus during his tenure was the implementation of the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan 2019, including structured dialogue on political, economic, security and migration-related matters. Ambassador Janjua had earlier played a key role in negotiating and finalising the text of the Strategic Engagement Plan in his capacity as Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe) at Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the fifth and sixth rounds of the Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue were held in 2020 and 2021 respectively at the Foreign Minister/High Representative level.

Pakistan’s Role in Afghanistan Evacuation

The embassy also recalled Ambassador Janjua’s role during the critical period surrounding the international withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. He closely coordinated with EU and NATO counterparts to facilitate the safe evacuation of thousands of European nationals and others from Afghanistan.

The embassy noted that the efforts of Pakistan’s diplomatic mission were appreciated by European interlocutors and reflected Pakistan’s constructive role in supporting international evacuation and humanitarian efforts.

Focus on GSP Plus and Economic Diplomacy

The continuation and effective implementation of Pakistan’s GSP Plus arrangement with the European Union remained another key priority during Ambassador Janjua’s tenure.

He maintained sustained engagement with European institutions to advance Pakistan’s economic interests and strengthen the foundations of Pakistan-EU trade and development cooperation.

The embassy also highlighted his emphasis on public diplomacy, community outreach, cultural engagement and academic cooperation, which helped strengthen the mission’s links with the Pakistani diaspora and promote Pakistan’s cultural, economic and social profile among European audiences.

Ambassador Zaheer Aslam Janjua had previously served as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia and Belarus and held diplomatic assignments in Amman, Moscow, Geneva and Tashkent. He subsequently served as Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Canada.

Through its “From the Archives” series, the Embassy of Pakistan in Brussels is recalling the contributions of former Pakistani ambassadors and highlighting significant chapters in Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement with Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union.

The embassy described Ambassador Janjua’s tenure as a period marked by sustained diplomatic engagement, strengthened institutional dialogue, economic outreach, regional coordination and community engagement.