ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir met with Saima Saleem, a distinguished Pakistani diplomat at the United Nations, and praised her contributions to international diplomacy during a meeting held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
Acknowledgment of Diplomatic Excellence
In a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the COAS lauded Saleem for her unwavering dedication to representing Pakistan on global forums despite her visual impairment.
“Saima Saleem is a beacon of inspiration not only for persons with disabilities but for the entire nation,” said Field Marshal Munir. He emphasized the Pakistan Army’s continued support for empowering individuals with disabilities and recognizing their significant role in national development.
Advocacy at the United Nations
During the meeting, Saleem provided an overview of her work at the UN, highlighting key challenges facing Pakistan, including the impact of state-sponsored terrorism. She specifically noted India’s involvement as a destabilizing factor in the region, according to the ISPR statement.
The army chief appreciated her articulate representation of Pakistan’s stance on international platforms and acknowledged her effectiveness in promoting the country’s foreign policy objectives.
“Her role at the UN is a testament to the extraordinary potential of Pakistan’s human capital,” he said, reaffirming the importance of inclusive representation in diplomacy.
Literary Contribution Recognized
In addition to her diplomatic role, Saima Saleem also shared selections from her literary work with the army chief. The ISPR noted that this added a personal dimension to the meeting and highlighted her versatility beyond her professional commitments.