Brussels (National Times) Among the distinguished diplomats who have represented Pakistan with exceptional skill and foresight, Ambassador Riaz Mohammad Khan ar distinction. He devoted over four decades to advancing Pakistan’s foreign policy and strengthening Pakistan’s engagement with the international community.
As Pakistan Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union from 1995 to 1998, Ambassador Khan played a pivotal role in deepening Pakistan’s engagement with Europe.
A defining achievement of his tenure was the initiation of negotiations for the Pakistan-European Union Third Generation Cooperation Agreement. This landmark framework elevated Pakistan-European Union relations beyond traditional trade arrangements and established a comprehensive partnership encompassing economic development, environmental cooperation, scientific collaboration, and human resource development.
Ambassador Khan also worked tirelessly with European institutions to secure improved market access for Pakistani exports; defend Pakistan against anti-dumping measures; and preserve critical trade opportunities.
Following the nuclear tests of May 1998, Ambassador Khan undertook intensive diplomatic outreach to explain Pakistan’s security concerns, maintain open channels of communication, and mitigate the impact of potential sanctions. His calm demeanor and persuasive diplomacy helped sustain engagement with European partners during a period of heightened international scrutiny.
Concurrent accreditation to Luxembourg enabled him to expand Pakistan’s outreach to one of Europe’s leading financial centres.
Following his successful tenure in Brussels, Ambassador Khan, as the Additional Foreign Secretary, oversaw critical portfolios relating to international organizations, arms control, and disarmament, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s post-nuclear diplomacy.
His appointment as Ambassador to China from 2002 to 2005 further underscored the confidence reposed in his diplomatic abilities. He strengthened Pakistan-China strategic cooperation and helped advance key areas of bilateral collaboration, leading to major economic and infrastructure initiatives.
The pinnacle of his distinguished career was his appointment as Foreign Secretary of Pakistan from 2005 to 2008. As the senior-seasoned diplomat , he guided Pakistan’s foreign policy through a complex global environment. He played a leading role in the Pakistan-India Composite Dialogue, engaged in strategic discussions with the United States during the post-9/11 era, and coordinated international diplomatic efforts during the devastating 2005 Kashmir earthquake.
Even after retirement, through his acclaimed book Afghanistan and Pakistan: A Geopolitical Journey, academic engagements, policy research, and participation in Track-II dialogues, Ambassador Khan has continued to enrich discussions on regional peace, security, and international affairs.
Ambassador Khan’s career reflects the finest traditions of Pakistan’s Foreign Service: professional excellence, intellectual depth, and unwavering dedication to national service. His tenure in Brussels remains a landmark chapter in Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement with Europe, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of diplomats who follow in his footsteps.
The Embassy of Pakistan in Brussels is honoured to feature Ambassador Riaz Mohammad Khan in its “From the Archives” series, paying tribute to a diplomat whose vision, leadership, and service have left an enduring imprint on Pakistan’s foreign policy and international standing.
