At a solemn ceremony held today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch unveiled the portrait of Ambassador Jamshed Marker— one of the most distinguished Pakistani diplomats. The brilliant portrait was painted by the famous Russian artist Ilya Glazunov and has been gifted by Ms. Niloufer Marker— late Ambassador Marker’s daughter.
For over three decades from 1965 to 1995, Ambassador Jamshed Marker served Pakistan with unparalleled distinction. He represented our nation as an ambassador in several posts, including Ghana, the Soviet Union, France, East Germany, Japan, the United Nations in Geneva, West Germany, the United States, and the United Nations in New York. His illustrious career was a combination of grace, intellect, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s interests.
In important capitals and in consequential times, Ambassador Marker navigated complex geopolitical challenges with a steady hand. He advanced our nation’s priorities with pragmatism and foresight. His counsel to the Government of Pakistan was always respected for its clarity, depth, and actionable insight. His actions resonated on the global stage, advancing our nation’s interests.
Beyond his ambassadorial roles, Ambassador Marker served as the United Nations Special Envoy for East Timor from 1997 to 1999. This role saw him play a pivotal part in guiding the region through a delicate transition. His impartiality, wisdom, and ability to foster dialogue in challenging circumstances earned him wide recognition and respect. His contributions to peace and stability in East Timor remain a hallmark of his extraordinary diplomatic legacy.
Ambassador Marker exemplified the timeless qualities of a great diplomat: tact, patience, wisdom, and eloquence. However, he did not merely embody these virtues; he redefined them. A gentleman in every sense, he approached intricate negotiations with a calm demeanour and razor-sharp intellect, demonstrating that true strength lies in quiet persuasion rather than ostentatious displays. Those fortunate enough to know him recall his wit, charm, and his being a great raconteur. He was not only Pakistan’s envoy but also its most captivating narrator, amplifying our narrative in a way that bridged divides, softened tensions, and forged connections where others saw only obstacles.
During pivotal moments in our nation’s history, such as the turbulent days of 1971, diplomacy related to our nuclear policy, negotiations for the Geneva Accords of 1988, and assisting Azerbaijan and Bosnia, Ambassador Marker’s deep sense of duty shone brightly. While history records events, it was Ambassador Marker who lived their complexities, safeguarding Pakistan’s interests with unwavering dignity and resolve.
His memoir, Quiet Diplomacy: Memoirs of an Ambassador of Pakistan, is far more than a recounting of his life. It is a timeless manual for the art and craft of diplomacy, offering lessons that remain as relevant today as ever.
Ambassador Marker’s exceptional legacy is indelibly woven into the soul of Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry and Foreign Service. It is hoped that for the coming generation of Pakistani diplomats, Ilya Glazunov’s exquisite portrait will serve as a beacon and a reminder to conduct themselves with dignity, engage the world with intellect and humility, and to anchor their work in an abiding love for Pakistan.
Islamabad
September 25,2025