Mian Abuzar Shad hails Sima Saleem’s powerful diplomatic speech as historic moment of pride after Pakistan’s successful defence under Field Marshal Asim Munir’s command
By M Qadeer
LAHORE: President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mian Abuzar Shad, has praised Pakistan’s first visually impaired civil servant and distinguished diplomat, Sima Saleem, for her remarkable performance in defending the country’s stance at the UN Security Council.
Her powerful and eloquent speech came in the wake of Pakistan’s historic and successful military defence befitting response to indian aggression under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI(M), with the Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Navy, and Pakistan Army collectively safeguarding the nation during the critical juncture of Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.
Read also: Federal Budget 2025-26: LCCI anticipates government backing for its recommendations
Mian Abuzar Shad said that Sima Saleem, already a symbol of resilience and determination, has now etched her name in history by becoming the voice of Pakistan in a moment when the world was closely watching. “She is not just a diplomat,” he remarked, “she is the great daughter of Pakistan, a beacon of strength, intellect, and grace who reflected the spirit of our nation with unmatched brilliance.”
A Voice that Echoed Across Continents: Saleem, who has emerged as a leading expert in international human rights and humanitarian law, took centre stage at a high-level diplomatic gathering days after Pakistan’s triumphant military defence operations. With clarity, confidence, and deep knowledge, she laid bare the truth, countered propaganda, and articulated Pakistan’s position with such precision that international observers and media houses around the globe were compelled to take notice.
“The Telegraph,” one of the UK’s most respected publications, ran an editorial admiring the poise and passion with which Pakistan’s blind diplomat addressed complex geopolitical challenges. Numerous independent writers and analysts across the US, Europe, and the Middle East echoed similar sentiments, commending the maturity and depth of Pakistan’s diplomatic stance as delivered by Saleem.
A Moment of National Pride: Mian Abuzar Shad expressed that Saleem’s speech was not merely a diplomatic rebuttal, but a moment of pride that will be remembered for generations. “We all salute Field Marshal Asim Munir and our brave Armed Forces for their courage and decisive defence of the nation. But equally, we must celebrate Sima Saleem, who carried the flag of Pakistan into the global arena and came out victorious,” Shad said in an official statement.
He added that the synchronized efforts of Pakistan’s military and diplomatic wings have projected the country’s narrative with strength, clarity, and dignity. “This harmony between our defence and diplomacy is a model for emerging nations,” Shad noted.
The Triumph of Merit and Determination: Born visually impaired, Sima Saleem overcame societal and institutional barriers to become Pakistan’s first blind civil servant. Her journey into the Foreign Service was a triumph of merit and resilience. Today, she is not only a diplomat but also a writer and motivational speaker, inspiring people from all walks of life with her story.
Her recent speech was not only diplomatically strategic but deeply human, touching upon global peace, interfaith harmony, and the principle of justice. “It is rare to find such a complete representation of national values and international principles in one individual,” Mian Abuzar Shad said.
Pakistan’s Global Image: Restored and Admired: The events following Operation Bunyanum Marsoos have dramatically reshaped the global image of Pakistan. Where once there was doubt, there is now admiration. Where once there was silence, voices of support are being heard. Analysts in Washington, London, Berlin, and Istanbul have all acknowledged Pakistan’s calm and composed response to external provocations.
Diplomatic missions around the world are now fielding questions from international partners eager to understand the transformation within Pakistan’s civil and military leadership. Saleem’s speech is being used as a reference document in academic and diplomatic circles, and her words are seen as reflective of a new, confident, and inclusive Pakistan.
Interfaith Harmony and Global Peace: A Unified Message: Sima Saleem has also stood firm in her advocacy for interfaith harmony and global peace. In her address, she drew on Islamic and universal values to build a case for peaceful coexistence, rejecting violence, extremism, and disinformation. Her call for unity among faiths and nations resonated across diplomatic missions and NGOs working for human rights and peace.
“She spoke as a Muslim, a Pakistani, and a global citizen,” said Mian Abuzar Shad. “Her inclusive vision is what the world needs now more than ever.”
Gratitude and Congratulations: In his final remarks, LCCI President Abuzar Shad congratulated both Field Marshal Asim Munir and Sima Saleem for bringing immense pride to the nation. “We are a nation of heroes—on the battlefield and at the diplomatic podium. May Allah bless and protect our armed forces, our diplomats, and every citizen of Pakistan working for its glory.”
He also announced that the Lahore Chamber will formally honour Sima Saleem in a ceremony dedicated to women of strength and service, setting an example for future generations.
Sima Saleem’s legacy is still being written, but with each step, she elevates the nation. From the frontline defence by Pakistan’s armed forces to the diplomatic battlefield, Pakistan has stood tall. Under the firm and visionary leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir and with the brilliance of diplomats like Sima Saleem, the country is shaping a narrative of resilience, intellect, and unity.
Mian Abuzar Shad’s heartfelt tribute is not just praise—it is the voice of a proud nation echoing in honour of a daughter who stood for Pakistan when it mattered most.
Impact on Pakistan’s Foreign Relations: Sima Saleem’s landmark speech resonated far beyond the conference hall. Her poised and precise articulation of Pakistan’s perspective on regional and global issues prompted immediate and positive responses from foreign diplomats and international think tanks. Her clear emphasis on peaceful resolution of conflicts, commitment to international law, and rejection of misinformation campaigns helped reframe Pakistan’s image as a responsible and forward-looking state.
Following the speech, diplomatic missions in Islamabad reported an uptick in engagements and expressions of support. Countries in the Gulf, Southeast Asia, and even parts of Europe reached out to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressing admiration for the clarity and vision shown by Saleem. Her statements were seen as not only a defence of national sovereignty but also as a roadmap for global cooperation in a fractured world.
In Washington D.C., a policy roundtable hosted by a leading think tank cited Saleem’s arguments while discussing South Asia’s role in maintaining global security. In London, members of the House of Lords referenced her call for interfaith harmony during debates on international peace efforts. Meanwhile, in Istanbul, an influential university’s international law faculty held a seminar analyzing the diplomatic significance of her remarks.
The ripple effect was also visible in multilateral platforms. Pakistan’s delegation to the United Nations received renewed backing from member states on key human rights and peacekeeping resolutions. Observers attributed this shift in tone to Saleem’s ability to humanize Pakistan’s narrative, presenting it not as a reactive state, but as one deeply committed to justice, development, and peaceful coexistence.
Her speech helped dismantle stereotypes often associated with the country and replaced them with a story of courage, intellect, and ethical clarity. It set a new diplomatic standard—one where empathy, scholarship, and conviction replace hostility and rhetoric.
About the Author
