Pakistan Appoints Female Diplomat in Saudi Arabia for the First Time

Pakistan has appointed its first-ever female diplomat, Mrs. Fouzia Fayaz at its embassy in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Mrs. Fouzia Fayyaz has previously served as a career diplomat in Washington D.C and New Delhi as well. However, with her recent posting, she has become the only female counselor to serve at the Pakistani Embassy at Saudi Arabia in 70 years.

Talking about the opportunities given to women in Pakistan, Fouzia added that the country is evolving and recognizes the role and importance of women in different working sectors.

When asked about her responsibilities at the Pakistani Embassy, Fouzia had this to say about her job at the Consulate General:

I am the first female diplomat to serve in KSA. Overall, i’m in charge of the consular section which provides facilities to service seekers such as passports, national identity cards, renewal and extension, travel documents etc.

Speaking further, she lauded the efforts of the Pakistani Foreign Ministry:

Pakistani society recognizes the role of women and how they contribute to our nation’s growth. Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is very progressive in this regard as well. It has opened its doors for women at all levels.

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Support and Education

The counselor, who hails from Southern Punjab, revealed that in her journey to become a career diplomat, she was always supported by her father who himself advocated equal rights for men and women. She told that more female officials have been appointed under her section of the consulate in Jeddah as well.

She recounts that her journey was not easy but her father’s support ensured that she achieved her goals in life.

People of the area, earlier, did not give much emphasis to girls education specially the higher education. But I am proud and credit my late father (Fayyaz Ahmad), who had vision, passion and courage that daughters should also get higher education.

Fouzia Fayyaz completed her Master’s degree in English Literature from Islamia University in Bahawalpur. After her Master’s, she did her CSS exam, and qualified for serving her country at home and abroad with the Pakistan Foreign Ministry.