ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nasirul Mulk on Monday said that Jamsheed Marker, the late ambassador, was a seasoned diplomat with globally-acknowledged acumen and would always be remembered for his profound role in strengthening relations with other countries.

Addressing at the inauguration ceremony of the Jamsheed Marker Hall here at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he said that Jamsheed Marker earned a wide reputation as a suave and skilled envoy who always promoted Pakistan’s positive image.

The prime minister unveiled a plaque of the Jamsheed Marker Hall at the event which was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to pay tribute to Jamshed Marker who passed away recently in Karachi at the age of 95. Prime Minister Mulk said that Jamsheed Marker was one of the country’s most distinguished diplomats who left deep marks in all areas of diplomatic front he worked at.

“He (Mr Marker) is no longer among us, but remains constantly a role model for his successors,” he said in his tribute to the late diplomat. The prime minister termed Jamsheed Marker a legend and an outstanding diplomat who always stood as a true Pakistani while presenting the country’s case at the international fora.

Azad Jammu Kashmir President Masood Khan said that Jamsheed Marker was one of the country’s best diplomats who had left behind a legacy of powerful and effective diplomacy. “He (Jamsheed Marker) was also a statesman par excellence, who strengthened relations with powerful countries at a new level,” he said.

He mentioned that whether it was Geneva cause, turbulent times with the United States or the UN Security Council resolution, Ambassador Marker served the nation through his powerful diplomatic skills. Minister for Foreign Affairs Abdullah Haroon said that Jamsheed Marker was a great diplomat who lived for Pakistan and died for Pakistan.

He said that Ambassador Marker not only loved the country, but also acted for the country. “We remember a great person from the depth of our hearts,” he said. Foreign Affairs Secretary Tehmina Janjua said that Mr Marker practiced the ultimate objectives of diplomacy with an art of sophistication and calm approach, even in the midst of strife and discord.

She said that Ambassador Marker would be immensely missed by the Pakistanis and the members of the Foreign Office. Nilufer Reifler, the daughter of Jamsheed Marker, said that her father was a deeply civilized man who appreciated the cultures of all countries. She thanked the Foreign Office for paying tribute to her father.

Dean of Diplomatic Corps Atajan Movlamov said that the hard work of Ambassador Jamsheed Marker always strengthened Pakistan’s stance in turbulent times. Minister Roshan Khursheed Bharocha, former adviser and special assistant Sartaj Aziz and Tariq Fatemi, diplomats and family members of Jamsheed Marker attended the event.