Athar Mahmood

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For the Pakistani cricketer, see Athar Mahmood (cricketer).
Athar Mahmood at his farewell reception in Prague, Czech Republic, June 2010

Athar Mahmood (18 February, 1952- 14 September, 2013) was a career diplomat for the Government of Pakistan. He was posted as Ambassador of Pakistan to Mauritius,[1] Czech Republic[2] and Tunisia[3] as well as serving in the Foreign Office in Islamabad.[4] He earned the title of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary during his career.[5]

Career[edit]

Pakistani foreign office[edit]

In the foreign office he served as Additional Secretariat for Europe. In 2005, Athar Mahmood made a strong demarche to the ambassadors of Belgium, the European Union and the Netherlands in Pakistan. It was made concerning an incident whereby the European Parliament refused to meet Maulana Samiul Haq, who was part of the eight-member delegation of the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, while visiting Europe.[6] He chaired the third meeting of the Russian-Pakistani Counter terrorism Working Group in Moscow, 2006. The meeting elaborated on the anti terror measures by the Pakistan and Russian governments in accordance with the United Nations.[7]

Missions abroad[edit]

During his time as ambassador to Mauritius he hosted a week-long Pakistani Trade Fair in Mauritius. The trade fair exhibited Pakistani products such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, spices, rice, sports wear and furniture. The fair served as a platform to increase bi lateral trade between the two countries[8]

In 2010 he was posted to Tunisia, his final posting as ambassador.[9] In the 2011 Libya crisis, he was part of a task force to return Pakistanis working in Libya back to Pakistan via chartered flights [10]

Pakistan embassy in Czech Republic[edit]

In 2006 he was appointed by the government of Pakistan to reopen their embassy in Prague, Czech Republic. He was chosen for the position due to his previous experience as Additional secretary Europe and European affairs.[11]

In 2007 he took the Czech prime minister on an official visit to Pakistan; this was the first ever visit by a prime minister from the Czech Republic to Pakistan. Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Mirek Topolanek, paid an official visit to Pakistan in May 2007. The goals of the visit were to promote bilateral relations. The Prime Minister's entourage included ministers of industry and trade and culture, senior government officials and several businessmen.[12]

During his posting, he boosted trade and cultural exchange between the two countries.[13]

Family[edit]

Athar Mahmood was married to Nafisa Athar,[14] granddaughter of Mian Abdul Hayee First Education Minister of Pakistan. They have two daughters, Sahar Mahmood and Arjumand Mahmood.

Interests[edit]

He had varied interests which include painting and writing.[15] Art exhibitions of his paintings have been held in galleries around Pakistan.[16][17]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Pakistan's Foreign Missions Abroad". travel-culture.com. 1997-2015 Travel & Culture Services, Pakistan, UAE. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  2. ^ Saleh Zafir, Muhammad (25 June 2006). "Diplomatic postings,transfers". The News International. The News. Archived from the original on 2015-04-02. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  3. ^ "Ambassador-designates call on Zardari". Daily Times. Daily Times. 10 July 2010. Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  4. ^ Sharif, Arshad (22 April 2005). "Strong protest over EU move against Sami". Dawn. Dawn. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  5. ^ "Embassy of Pakistan". expats.cz. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  6. ^ Sharif, Arshad (22 April 2005). "Strong protest over EU move against Sami". Dawn. Dawn. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  7. ^ "Meeting of Russian-Pakistani Working Group on Counterterrorism". mid.ru. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Russian Federation. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  8. ^ "Pakistan trade fair attracts Mauritians". Daily Times. Daily Times. 2 June 2002. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  9. ^ Staff Report (3 July 2010). "Ambassador-designates call on Zardari". Daily Times. Daily Times. Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  10. ^ Jabri, Parvez (2 March 2011). "Pakistanis returning from Libya gradually: Tehmina". Business Recorder. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  11. ^ Saleh Zafir, Muhammad (25 June 2006). "Diplomatic postings,transfers". The News International. The News. Archived from the original on 2015-04-02. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  12. ^ "Accord to boost ties with Czech Republic". Dawn. Dawn. 10 May 2007. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  13. ^ "Cultural Exchange Programme signed between Pakistan and the Czech Republic". mofa.gov.pk. Ministry of Foreign Affair Pakistan. 4 March 2009. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  14. ^ "List of the Diplomatics Corps". yumpu.com/en. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  15. ^ "Gleanings:Pakistani ambassador a guest of the 2009 Prague Summer Program". wmuenglishevents.blogspot.com. Blogger. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  16. ^ Ali, Sehrish (12 June 2012). "'Jewels of June': An art lover's paradise". The Express Tribune. The Express Tribune with the International New York Times. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  17. ^ Bilgrami, Alia (18 July 2013). "Gallery Changez: Where art meets nature". Youlin Magazine. Youlin Magazine. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
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