Islamabad (GNP) :- In this exclusive conversation, Ahmed Farooq, Ambassador of Pakistan to Uzbekistan, to explore the human side of diplomacy. From the motivations that drew him to public service to the personal sacrifices that come with representing one’s country abroad, Ambassador Farooq reflects on a life shaped by purpose and responsibility. The discussion also delves into Pakistan–Uzbekistan’s shared history and future, the challenges of diplomatic life, and thoughtful advice for young people navigating an increasingly complex world.
(GNP) : Diplomacy is a demanding profession, but there’s always more to a person. Tell us a little about your personal journey and what truly drives you.
Amb Ahmed Farooq : What drives any person is a sense of purpose in what you do, and that sense of purpose motivates you. It motivates me as well, and that motivation brings out the best in you. It brings out resources in your person that perhaps you didn’t even know existed.
Professionally speaking, two main things motivate me. Being a diplomat is a great honor because you get to represent your country. You also get to guard the national interests of your country. Diplomats are the first line of defense for any country, so there is a great sense of responsibility. When you put honor and responsibility together, it provides a strong motivating force and a clear sense of purpose in what you are doing.
(GNP) : We all have that one moment where our future path suddenly becomes clear. When did you first feel that representing your country was what you wanted to do, and what attracted you to the ever-changing, “on-the-move” life of a diplomat?
Amb Ahmed Farooq : I cannot pinpoint one single moment when I decided to join the Foreign Service. My father had a lot to do with it. He was a professor of European history and history in general, so my bedtime stories were about Napoleon, Hitler, Churchill, Truman, and how World War II came about, and how Quaid-e-Azam led the creation of Pakistan.
What he taught me was not just to read historical texts, but to understand the inherent forces shaping events—political, social, and economic evolution—and how countries interact. That created an interest in me. As I grew up, my father and I concluded that, given my personal aptitude, diplomacy might be a suitable profession.
A diplomat’s life is never sedentary. We are travelers in this world. There are many positives attached to this movement: you get to see the world, experience new cultures, meet new people, and develop respect for diversity and the richness of human culture. It makes you a more tolerant human being.
(GNP) : You are currently serving in Uzbekistan. Which cultural practice or aspect attracts you the most here, and in Central Asia generally?
Amb Ahmed Farooq: We have a lot in common historically, particularly with Uzbekistan. Any Pakistani or any Muslim knows figures like Imam Bukhari and Imam Tirmidhi. Scholars like Al-Biruni, and spiritually, many Sufi saints in Samarkand and Bukhara are part of our shared heritage. Politically, Zahir-ud-Din Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, came from this region.
Our cultures are connected, even linguistically, with thousands of shared words. There is also a strong connection through cuisine. You feel at home here. It’s not just the past that we share; our futures are interconnected for the mutual benefit of our people and the entire region. That makes our relationship enduring and sustainable.
(GNP) : Diplomacy is often seen through meetings and formal statements, but behind every post is personal sacrifice. What was one early challenge that really shaped you?
Amb Ahmed Farooq : There is no free lunch in this world. The selection process itself is demanding. The good thing is that people from all over Pakistan, regardless of background, can compete. If you prove your worth, you can build a meaningful career.
The real challenge is balancing personal and professional life. In diplomacy, you move from country to country, and the price of that nomadic life is being away from family and loved ones, sometimes missing important occasions. Maintaining the human side of your personality while fulfilling professional duties is a challenge, but it is a healthy struggle.
(GNP) : Is this sacrifice worth it personally?
Amb Ahmed Farooq : Yes. You need to have an aptitude for it. If you do, every sacrifice is worth it. Representing your country is a huge honor. Sitting behind the nameplate of Pakistan and speaking on behalf of 250 million people is unmatched.
You also carry great responsibility. As you progress, you contribute to decisions that shape your country’s present and future. If I were given another life, I would join the Foreign Service again.
(GNP) : Many young people hope to follow in your footsteps. Beyond academic degrees, what real-world advice would you give them?
Amb Ahmed Farooq: Human personality has many aspects—spiritual, psychological, sociological, and physical. You must balance them all. Most importantly, you need clarity of mind and focus in an age flooded with information, disinformation, and distractions.
You must know what you want, where you want to go, and how you want to get there, with razor-sharp focus.
(GNP) : How can young people find that level of clarity amid so many opinions and pressures?
Amb Ahmed Farooq : You need time with yourself to understand who you are. Anyone who has done well in life has taken that time. Once you decide, as Quaid-e-Azam said, you don’t take right decisions—you make your decisions right.
Follow your decision with commitment, trust in the Almighty, and maintain a positive attitude. Hardships will come, but these qualities help you sail through tests and succeed.
(GNP) : So solitude and balance are key?
Amb Ahmed Farooq : Life is about balance. The moment you achieve balance, you gain inner calm and clarity of mind. Then you become a contributor to the world, not just a passive recipient.
Abundant information is a great opportunity, but only if you know how to process it. Focus determines whether information empowers you or overwhelms you.
(GNP) : Even with decades of experience, growth never stops. What ambitions still drive you?
Amb Ahmed Farooq : Ceaseless effort is the essence of life. Every day should be better than the one before. The moment you stop growing intellectually, spiritually, or psychologically, life loses meaning.
As you move higher, your opinions carry more weight and your responsibility increases. You must prepare yourself to help make good decisions for your country. Even contributing to one or two good decisions is a way of giving back.
(GNP) : Finally, what message would you like to give to our viewers, especially the youth?
Amb Ahmed Farooq : Allah has blessed us with a great country full of potential. Yes, we face challenges, but self-criticism should never turn into pessimism. We must remain optimistic and have faith.
What you think about yourself is what you project. Positivity becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Every individual and every nation faces challenges; what defines us is how we respond to them.
Human beings possess immense potential, much of which remains unused. Focused positivity and direction unleash that potential. If we believe in ourselves and face challenges head-on, we can shape our own future.
Courtesy: The Diplomatic Insight / Global News Pakistan
