Embassy of Pakistan, Baghdad
Diplomatic mission of Pakistan in Iraq
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The Embassy of Pakistan in Baghdad is the diplomatic mission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Republic of Iraq. It is located in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, and serves as Pakistan's principal diplomatic mission in the country.[1]
| Embassy of Pakistan, Baghdad سفارت خانہ پاکستان، بغداد | |
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| Location | Baghdad, Iraq |
| Address | Al-Mansoor (House No. 14, Street No. 7, Mohallah No. 609), Baghdad, Iraq |
| Coordinates | 33°19′40.03″N 44°23′46.72″E |
| Ambassador | Muhammad Zeeshan Ahmad |
| Jurisdiction |  Iraq |
| Website | Official website |
The embassy represents Pakistan's political, economic, cultural and consular interests in Iraq. It provides diplomatic and consular services, including passport renewal, visa facilitation, document attestation, NADRA services, and assistance to Pakistani nationals residing in or visiting Iraq. The embassy also coordinates with Iraqi authorities on matters relating to bilateral cooperation and the welfare of the Pakistani community in Iraq.[2][3]
History
Pakistan and Iraq established diplomatic relations in the early 1950s. Iraq opened its embassy in Pakistan in 1952, while Pakistan established its diplomatic mission in Baghdad shortly afterwards.[4] Agha Muhammad Mustafa became Pakistan's first ambassador to Iraq on 24 November 1953.[5][6]
Since its establishment, the embassy has played a central role in the development of Iraq–Pakistan relations, facilitating cooperation in diplomacy, trade, defence, education and culture. The mission has continued to operate during periods of political and security challenges in Iraq while maintaining diplomatic engagement between the two countries. The embassy is headed by the Ambassador of Pakistan to Iraq. It also comprises a Deputy Head of Mission, Defence Attaché, Community Welfare Attaché and diplomatic officers responsible for political, economic, commercial and consular affairs.[7]
The embassy also assists Pakistani pilgrims travelling to Iraq to visit religious sites in Najaf and Karbala.[8] Every year, it facilitates the travel of thousands of Pakistani pilgrims and establishes temporary consular camps during the observances of Ashura and Arbaeen to provide emergency and consular assistance.[9]
Bilateral relations were briefly strained following the 1973 raid on the Iraqi embassy in Islamabad, during which Pakistani authorities seized weapons that they alleged were intended for Baloch insurgents. Despite the diplomatic dispute, Pakistan and Iraq later restored normal diplomatic relations and continued maintaining their respective embassies.[10]
It has also organised events commemorating Pakistan's national day, Kashmir Solidarity Day, Youm-e-Istehsal, and cultural activities aimed at strengthening people-to-people ties.[11][12][13]
Ambassadors
| Ambassador | Term |
|---|---|
| Agha Muhammad Mustafa | 1953–1954 |
| Shoaib Qureshi | 1955–1958 |
| M. A. Khattak | 1960–1961 |
| Sajjad Hyder | 1961–1965 |
| Syed Mohammad Hassan | 1966–1967 |
| Mohammad Masood | 1968–1970 |
| A. F. M. Abdul Fateh | 1970–1971 |
| Hakim M. Ahson | 1971–1972 |
| Mian Muhammad Salimullah | 1972–1973 |
| Muizuddin Ahmed | 1973–1978 |
| Salimuzzaman | 1979–1984 |
| Khalid Mahmood | 1984–1987 |
| Tariq M. Mir | 1988–1991 |
| Mustafa Kamal Kazi | 1992–1996 |
| Karamatullah Khan Ghori | 1996–1999 |
| Shah M. Jamal | 2011–2014 |
| Mohammad Iftikhar Anjum | 2014–2016 |
| Sajid Bilal | 2018–2020 |
| Ahmed Amjad Ali | 2021–2023 |
| Muhammad Zeeshan Ahmad | 2023–present |