ISLAMABAD: Senior-level consultations over the appointment of Pakistan’s next foreign secretary have been completed, with consensus reportedly reached on the name of Asim Iftikhar Ahmed.
According to informed sources, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to announce the appointment of the new foreign secretary before departing for New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly session.
The appointment is being made as the tenure of the current Foreign Secretary, Amina Baloch, approaches its conclusion. According to sources, Baloch is expected to complete her term during the third week of this month.
Following the completion of her tenure, Asim Iftikhar Ahmed is expected to assume charge of the Foreign Office and take over as Pakistan’s new foreign secretary.
The reported consensus on Asim Iftikhar Ahmed’s appointment comes after high-level consultations regarding the country’s next top diplomatic official. The foreign secretary plays a central role in shaping and implementing Pakistan’s foreign policy and coordinating diplomatic engagement with other countries.
Asim Iftikhar Ahmed is a senior career diplomat with extensive experience in Pakistan’s foreign service. His diplomatic career has included assignments involving multilateral diplomacy and Pakistan’s relations with key international partners.
His expected appointment comes at an important time for Pakistan’s foreign policy, with the country continuing to engage with major powers, regional partners and international organizations on a range of political, economic and security issues.
The new foreign secretary will also be responsible for overseeing the functioning of Pakistan’s diplomatic missions abroad and coordinating with the government on major international developments.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s expected announcement before his departure for the UN General Assembly would formally bring an end to speculation over who will succeed Amina Baloch.
Amina Baloch took charge as foreign secretary after a career spanning several important diplomatic assignments. Her tenure has included Pakistan’s engagement on regional and international issues and efforts to strengthen the country’s diplomatic outreach.
According to informed sources, Asim Iftikhar Ahmed will take over the Foreign Office once Baloch completes her tenure in the third week of September.
The appointment is expected to ensure continuity in the Foreign Office at a time when Pakistan is navigating a complex international environment. The new foreign secretary will have a key role in supporting the government’s diplomatic priorities and preparing for high-level international engagements.
The formal announcement, however, is expected to come from the prime minister before his scheduled departure for New York. Until the official notification is issued, the appointment remains subject to the completion of the formal government process.
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