Pakistan Appoints Asim Iftikhar Ahmad as New Foreign Secretary

Pakistan Appoints Asim Iftikhar Ahmad as New Foreign Secretary

ISLAMABAD: Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, currently Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has been appointed as the country’s next Foreign Secretary.

The appointment was approved by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

The outgoing Foreign Secretary, Ambassador Amna Baloch, will retire from government service on September 17, 2026, after more than three decades of distinguished diplomatic service. She has served as Foreign Secretary since September 11, 2024.

Ishaq Dar commended Ambassador Amna Baloch for her dedicated service and leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during a consequential period in Pakistan’s diplomatic history. After retirement, she will assume charge as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Türkiye.

Welcoming Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad’s appointment, the Foreign Minister expressed confidence that he would lead the Foreign Office with “clarity, professionalism and purpose” and continue advancing Pakistan’s national interests.

Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad brings extensive diplomatic experience to the Foreign Secretary’s office, having served in key diplomatic and multilateral assignments, including Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.