Tajik Envoy Sharifzoda Honored With Global Ambassador Award in Islamabad
By Saeed Yousafzai
ISLAMABAD: The prestigious Global Ambassador Award was conferred upon Yusuf Sharifzoda, Ambassador of Tajikistan to Pakistan, at a ceremony organized by the Diplomatic Insight Group (DIG) on Wednesday.
Ambassador Sharifzoda was honored for his outstanding leadership in strengthening the friendly, strategic, and brotherly relations between Tajikistan and Pakistan. Since assuming office, he has led the Embassy with a clear vision and commitment, building strong bridges of trust, understanding, and cooperation.
Well-known for his fluency in Urdu and his close connection with Pakistan—especially from his earlier posting as Head of Mission at the Tajik Consulate in Karachi—Ambassador Sharifzoda has engaged extensively with government officials, parliamentarians, policymakers, and civil society. His active outreach has fostered meaningful dialogue and helped expand long-term cooperation between the two countries.
Through effective media engagement and public diplomacy, he has raised awareness of Tajikistan’s growing partnership with Pakistan and enhanced the country’s role in regional peace, connectivity, and development. Under his leadership, the Embassy has emerged as a vibrant center for economic and cultural diplomacy.
Ambassador Sharifzoda has played a vital role in promoting trade, investment, and tourism, while encouraging closer business-to-business collaboration. He has also advanced discussions on restoring direct air connectivity between Dushanbe and Islamabad—an initiative he had earlier championed during his tenure in Karachi.
His cultural initiatives have included the successful organization of the Days of Culture of Tajikistan in Pakistan, showcasing traditional music, art, cinema, and handicrafts that reflect the shared heritage and longstanding ties between the people of both countries.
Beyond bilateral relations, Ambassador Sharifzoda has been an active voice for Tajikistan’s water and climate diplomacy, underlining the need for regional cooperation to address shared climate challenges.
In recognition of his tireless efforts to deepen friendship and diplomatic engagement, he also received the Best Diplomatic Friendship Award 2025 at the EIPA Diplomatic Excellence Ceremony.
Ambassador Sharifzoda’s vision of unity, shared progress, and mutual respect continues to inspire both nations toward a future of strengthened brotherhood and prosperity.
Before his assignment in Pakistan, he served in the Department of America and Europe at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan, and later as Head of the South Asian Section. He has also served in Korea and the United Arab Emirates.
His longstanding dedication to enhancing Tajikistan–Pakistan relations—supported by his deep understanding of Urdu and Pakistani culture—has made him one of the most recognized and respected diplomats in Islamabad’s diplomatic community.
