By Zara Khan
School of Foreign Service
Georgetown University
The Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, DC is the first Government agency to start an organized internship program designed to give students firsthand experience in American as well as Pakistani politics. It exposes them to the practice of diplomacy, and offers them a practical introduction to the dynamics of international relations. The Embassy seeks to broaden the horizons of individuals who wish to affect positive change, offering a learning environment where motivated young men and women can channel their creative energies. It is also an ideal setting to apply what they are taught in university towards their professional development.
Interns work directly under the supervision of the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) at the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, DC. The DCM, Mr. Mohammed Sadiq, joined the Embassy in August 2002. Mr. Sadiq serves as a mentor for the interns, and offers a wealth of global experience. He holds a masters degree from Columbia University and has held various diplomatic postings as part of Pakistan Foreign Service, in addition to working with the United Nations. Nadia Naviwala, a student of Foreign Policy at Georgetown University and pioneer coordinator of the internship program, often tells people, “He’s done everything from working with the United Nations to living with the Amish.”
Mr. Sadiq is especially popular with second-generation Pakistani-Americans because of his confidence in their potential as future leaders. He often jokes that his office has started to look more like a college campus than a diplomat’s office.
One of the highlights of being at the Embassy is that distinguished public figures are always passing through. Intern Maria Raza from University of California, Berkeley remembers that “the best day of the internship was meeting President Musharraf.” In addition to President Musharraf, interns met Prime Minister Jamali, Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz, Foreign Secretary Riaz Khokar, US Attorney General John Ashcroft, US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, former Senator and lobbyist Charlie Wilson, executive producer of the film “Jinnah” and distinguished Professor Akbar S. Ahmed, the President of PAKPAC, founder of Human Development Foundation and Minister of State Dr. Nasim Ashraf (NCHD), and a delegation of women parliamentarians.
Although an unpaid position, the internship provides college and graduate students valuable, firsthand knowledge of international relations and Pakistani-American affairs. The duties and responsibilities of the interns cover a broad spectrum of interests that serve both the interns’ learning objectives as well as the embassy’s needs. Interns draft press releases, prepare reports, write speeches, update the website, and attend events on behalf of the Embassy. They also play a significant role in organizing events at the Embassy. During the summer of 2003, interns organized the reception of 500 guests at President Musharraf’s inauguration of the new Embassy building and arranged the Embassy’s Independence Day celebrations on August 14, 2003. A number of diplomats and senior administration officials attended this event, including Assistant Secretary of State Christina Rocca.
Aisha Sarwari, a recent graduate and journalist reflects, “If anyone is interested in positively making a difference, this is the place to be. I must say that this internship is part of a historical process. This is a time of significance for anyone interested in Pakistan-US relation. And by interning here, one witnesses this without any media lens. By being here you realize now’s the time, and I am the one to do it. Any good ideas, hard work and dedication will be easily implemented and results will be visible.”
Public accolade from the President, the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary, the Ambassador, as well as praise from several parliamentarians and Ministers of State, have ascertained that efforts to establish the Government of Pakistan’s first-ever internship program have been worthwhile. Due to the high volume of interest and applications, the Embassy is now working to expand opportunities for students to develop their professional experience. Working through the Pakistani-American Leadership Initiative, the Embassy hopes to open up more internship opportunities in fields that are traditionally neglected by the Pakistani-American community. Prospective placements include the offices of Congressman, think tanks, the media, and even a theatre group. For details on up and coming opportunities, please join the PALI list-serve by sending an email to contact@pali.us or see www.pali.us.
Osman Ashai, the program’s only Kashmiri-American and aspiring politician, offers his evaluation of the Embassy program, “I really enjoyed the experience. I learned so much about Politics, Diplomacy, and International Affairs. I would recommend this program to anyone interested in these areas.” More information about internship program can be found by visiting the website online at http://www.embassyofpakistan.org/internship.php. Deadline for Summer Applications is April 1, 2004.