Athar Mahmood Explained

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

Pakistani foreign office

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

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

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

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

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

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Pakistan's Foreign Missions Abroad. travel-culture.com. 1997-2015 Travel & Culture Services, Pakistan, UAE. 18 March 2015.
  2. News: Saleh Zafir. Muhammad. Diplomatic postings,transfers. 18 March 2015. The News. The News International. 25 June 2006. https://web.archive.org/web/20150402132505/http://archive.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=1610&Cat=13&dt=6%2F25%2F2006. 2015-04-02. dead.
  3. News: Ambassador-designates call on Zardari. 18 March 2015. Daily Times. Daily Times. 10 July 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20160303224237/http://archives.dailytimes.com.pk/national/03-Jul-2010/ambassador-designates-call-on-zardari. 2016-03-03. dead.
  4. News: Sharif. Arshad. Strong protest over EU move against Sami. 18 March 2015. Dawn. Dawn. 22 April 2005.
  5. Web site: Embassy of Pakistan. expats.cz. 18 March 2015.
  6. News: Sharif. Arshad. Strong protest over EU move against Sami. 18 March 2015. Dawn. Dawn. 22 April 2005.
  7. Web site: Meeting of Russian-Pakistani Working Group on Counterterrorism. mid.ru. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Russian Federation. 18 March 2015.
  8. News: Pakistan trade fair attracts Mauritians. 18 March 2015. Daily Times. Daily Times. 2 June 2002. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055026/http://archives.dailytimes.com.pk/business/02-Jun-2002/pakistan-trade-fair-attracts-mauritians. 2016-03-04. dead.
  9. News: Staff Report. Ambassador-designates call on Zardari. 18 March 2015. Daily Times. Daily Times. 3 July 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20160303224237/http://archives.dailytimes.com.pk/national/03-Jul-2010/ambassador-designates-call-on-zardari. 2016-03-03. dead.
  10. News: Jabri. Parvez. Pakistanis returning from Libya gradually: Tehmina. 18 March 2015. Business Recorder. 2 March 2011.
  11. News: Saleh Zafir. Muhammad. Diplomatic postings,transfers. 18 March 2015. The News. The News International. 25 June 2006. https://web.archive.org/web/20150402132505/http://archive.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=1610&Cat=13&dt=6%2F25%2F2006. 2015-04-02. dead.
  12. News: Accord to boost ties with Czech Republic. 16 March 2015. Dawn. Dawn. 10 May 2007.
  13. Web site: Cultural Exchange Programme signed between Pakistan and the Czech Republic. mofa.gov.pk. Ministry of Foreign Affair Pakistan. 16 March 2015. 4 March 2009.
  14. Web site: List of the Diplomatics Corps. yumpu.com/en. 18 March 2015.
  15. Web site: Gleanings:Pakistani ambassador a guest of the 2009 Prague Summer Program. wmuenglishevents.blogspot.com. Blogger. 18 March 2015.
  16. News: Ali. Sehrish. ‘Jewels of June’: An art lover’s paradise. 18 March 2015. The Express Tribune with the International New York Times. The Express Tribune. 12 June 2012.
  17. News: Bilgrami. Alia. Gallery Changez: Where art meets nature. 18 March 2015. Youlin Magazine. Youlin Magazine. 18 July 2013.

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