He said that Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, Pakistan’s 33rd Foreign Secretary, will retire after a distinguished career spanning more than three decades and nearly two years as Foreign Secretary. She will subsequently assume charge as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Türkiye.
“Such a great honour to serve the green flag. Deeply humbled by the confidence and trust reposed by the leadership,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said following the announcement.
He added, “Looking forward to carrying out together this responsibility in advancing supreme national interest. Thankful to Allah for His blessings, and to parents, family, friends and colleagues for their support and prayers.”
The Foreign Secretary-designate is expected to lead the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at an important time as Pakistan continues to pursue its diplomatic and foreign policy priorities on regional and international issues.
The announcement of the foreign minister also acknowledged Ambassador Amna Baloch’s dedicated public service and leadership of the Foreign Office during what was described as a consequential period in Pakistan’s diplomatic history.
The government expressed confidence that Baloch would continue to serve Pakistan with distinction in her new diplomatic assignment in Türkiye.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad is currently serving as Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, where he has represented the country on key international diplomatic and multilateral issues.
The government expressed confidence that under his leadership, the Foreign Office would continue advancing Pakistan’s interests with clarity, professionalism and purpose.
The new Foreign Secretary will also build on the work undertaken by Ambassador Amna Baloch and her predecessors as Pakistan seeks to strengthen its diplomatic engagement around the world.
The assignments have been approved by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.