Dr. Maleeha Lodhi has served as Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations for the last four and a half years, and she was Pakistan’s first female Permanent Representative at the UN.
She concluded her term at the UN on a “high note” after facilitating a successful visit for Prime Minister Imran Khan at the UNGA session in New York. Tributes poured in for outgoing Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN Maleeha Lodhi from her counterparts at as the news spread that she was leaving the post.
I am truly overwhelmed by messages I am receiving on Twitter. As I will be unable to thank everyone individually for their good wishes I want to say how grateful I am for each and every message I have received. I will , as I said before, continue to serve the country.
— Maleeha Lodhi (@LodhiMaleeha) September 30, 2019
In a stream of messages to Dr. Lodhi, ambassadors and permanent representatives praised her diplomatic and political skills and the way she promoted Pakistan’s cause at the world body.
“You are one of a kind – a savvy, wise, experienced diplomat, endowed with a great sense of humour and a lot of compassion,” Jordan’s ambassador said. “Will miss your warm hospitality. The UN & NY will not be the same.”
Lebanon’s ambassador said, “You are an amazing diplomat and an asset to your country and to women everywhere. You set a new standard for being a representative of one’s country.
You will be dearly missed Maleeha. The women ambassador’s’ circle will never be the same. https://t.co/SxmydwjTjH
— Amal Mudallali (@AmbMudallali) October 1, 2019
Qatar’s ambassador said, “Still can’t believe you are leaving us, I will miss you, you are truly a remarkable diplomat, a pillar of the UN NY community that will never be forgotten, you have set a great example for female diplomats everywhere.”
Dr. Lodhi will be replaced by Munir Akram, one of Pakistan’s most seasoned diplomats, and a former Permanent Representative for the UN.
New Zealand’s ambassador said, “You have been such a radiant figure, who firmly advocated for your country’s interests. It was also great to share with you some non-work chat over cricket!”
Canada’s ambassador said, “You have performed your role with intelligence, dignity and utmost competence. Turtle Bay will never be the same. We will miss your charisma and refinement!”
Maldives’s ambassador said, “You have held the position with distinction, grace, and sophistication; you are indeed admired.”
Morocco’s ambassador said, “What a sad news. We will miss you as a friend as a colleague…”
On the completion of her tenure as Pakistan's Ambassador to UN, I would like to extend my gratitude to Ambassador @LodhiMaleeha for serving her country with utmost dignity, diligence and honour. Wish her all the very best with her future endeavours.
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) October 1, 2019
Ghana’s ambassador expressed her view and said, “Your skill and professionalism as a diplomat is exemplary and truly admired.
Suriname’s envoy said, “As a poised and resolute leader you have been an inspirational role model to many other diplomats!”
UAE’s ambassador said, “Thanks to dear colleague @LodhiMaleeha, the Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of #Pakistan to the @UN in New York, for her dedication and brilliant work throughout her tenure. Done a great job and is a great exemplary icon of diplomacy and Pakistani women
Thanks to dear colleague @LodhiMaleeha, the Perminent Representative of the Islamic Republic of #Pakistan to the @UN in New York, for her dedication and brilliant work throughout her tenure. Done a great job and is a great examplary icon of diplomacy and Pakistani women pic.twitter.com/pLMVbSH6bZ
— Hamad Alzaabi (@ALZAABI82) October 1, 2019
Indonesia’s ambassador said, “You are one of the first Ambassador that gave me tips on how to survive in this maze of UN New York. Thanks so much for the exemplary diplomacy, collaboration and most importantly the friendship all these years.”
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’s envoy, “I am going to miss seeing you in the halls (of the UN). But I know that wherever you go you will be lighting up your space and inspiring the people who inhabit it.”
Kazakhstan’s ambassador said, “You are a great personality and outstanding professional, a good friend, and a gracious host.”
Egypt’s ambassador said, “Will miss you too much and hope our paths will come across again”.
Kyrgyzstan’s ambassador said, “It has been a great honor and real pleasure to know and work with you!
Read more: Dr. Maleeha Lodhi completes her long diplomatic inning with distinction!
Brunei’s ambassador said, “You are truly a fine example of an exemplary diplomat and I will definitely miss you. you are also a true friend and a very warm person whose company I enjoyed most ”
Norway’s ambassador said, “Very saddened you are leaving, the good news is that we will still enjoy your skillful diplomacy and your delightful company throughout October.”
Ireland’s Ambassador said, “There’s never a good time to lose an outstanding diplomat and a primus inter pares of the sisterhood. We will certainly find occasion to wish you well many times over.”
Dr. Lodhi will be replaced by Munir Akram, one of Pakistan’s most seasoned diplomats, and a former Permanent Representative for the UN.