Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan Honored
with Morocco’s “Wissam Alaoui” Award
for Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Our Correspondent
Islamabad: Additional Secretary Hamid Asghar Khan, who recently returned to Pakistan after serving as the country’s ambassador to Morocco, has been awarded the prestigious “Wissam Alaoui” by the Moroccan government. The award, conferred by Ambassador Mohamed Karmoune on behalf of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, recognizes Khan’s outstanding contributions during his tenure as Pakistan’s ambassador to Morocco.
Distinguished Service in Morocco
Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan completed more than four years as Pakistan’s envoy to Morocco, a North African nation that shares borders with the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Upon his return, Khan has taken up the role of Additional Foreign Secretary (Africa) at the Foreign Office in Islamabad.
The award ceremony, held at the Moroccan ambassador’s residence, was an intimate gathering attended by Khan’s family, friends, colleagues from the Foreign Office, as well as diplomats, parliamentarians, Moroccan nationals, and representatives from the media and civil society.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
During the ceremony, Ambassador Mohamed Karmoune delivered a brief citation, commending Hamid Asghar Khan’s role in enhancing Morocco-Pakistan bilateral relations. He remarked that the “Wissam Alaoui” serves as a token of appreciation for Khan’s dedicated service and as a reminder of the productive time spent at the Pakistan mission in Rabat.
Khan’s Reflections on His Service
In his acceptance speech, Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan expressed his deep appreciation for the recognition, describing his tenure in Morocco as a delightful and honorable experience. “The government and people of Morocco are generous, kind, and hospitable. I will forever cherish the memories of my time in that wonderful country,” Khan stated. He also highlighted that despite his 22 years of diplomatic service across various countries, Morocco remains the nation he was most pleased to serve.
Notable Attendees
The event was attended by several notable figures, including Senator Sitara Ayaz, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Pakistan Observer Faisal Zahid Malik, PPP MNA Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Honorary Consul General of Morocco Dr. Ishtiaq Baig, Ambassador of Ethiopia Jemal Beker Abdula, and Director General of ISSI Sohail Mahmood.
This prestigious recognition marks a significant milestone in Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan’s distinguished diplomatic career.
