On Thursday, 11^th September 2025, Ambassador (R) Javed Hafeez delivered a Lecture on “Pakistan’s Foreign Policy Towards the Middle East and Iran” to the participants of the 38^th Senior Management Course (SMC) at the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA), Lahore.

Ambassador Hafeez highlighted the Middle East’s critical importance for Pakistan, underscoring its proximity, the spiritual significance of Makkah, Madina, and Mashhad, and the fact that nearly 70% of Pakistan’s overseas workforce is based in the Gulf, contributing the bulk of remittances. He also emphasised the centrality of the region due to energy supplies and strategic choke points.

Discussing bilateral relations, Ambassador Hafeez elaborated on Pakistan’s multifaceted ties with Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Turkey. He pointed to Saudi Arabia and the UAE as vital hosts of millions of Pakistani expatriates, Iran as a close neighbour with historic cultural connections, and Turkey as an enduring partner in defence and trade. He also referred to recent developments, including the warming of Pakistan-Iran relations, recent high-level visits by the Iranian leadership, and efforts to expand trade despite sanctions and banking challenges. He also addressed searing regional issues, including the Gaza crisis, the change of leadership in Syria, and the broader sectarian and geopolitical rivalries shaping Middle Eastern politics. He warned that conflicts, foreign interventions, and shifting alliances directly impact Pakistan’s economic and security interests.

The session concluded with an engaging Q&A in which participants raised questions on Palestine, US influence in the region, Pakistan’s balancing role, and prospects for peace.