ISLAMABAD: Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad is set to take charge as Pakistan’s new foreign secretary as Ambassador Amna Baloch retires on Thursday after more than three decades in the diplomatic service.
Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan announced Baloch’s retirement during his weekly press briefing, acknowledging her contributions to Pakistan’s foreign policy and diplomatic service.
Baloch became Pakistan’s 33rd foreign secretary on September 11, 2024, after serving as ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union. She previously served as Pakistan’s high commissioner to Malaysia and consul general in Chengdu, China.
She joined the Foreign Office in 1991 and held several assignments at the ministry’s headquarters, including positions in its political, administrative and protocol divisions. She also served at the Prime Minister’s Office and as additional secretary at the foreign minister’s office from 2018 to 2019.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, currently Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations in New York, was designated as the country’s 34th foreign secretary earlier this month after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved his appointment.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had expressed confidence that Iftikhar would lead the Foreign Office in advancing Pakistan’s interests with professionalism and purpose.
Baloch, meanwhile, has been appointed Pakistan’s ambassador to Türkiye on a post-retirement contract. She will assume the new assignment after completing her tenure as foreign secretary.
The transition comes as Pakistan prepares for a series of major diplomatic engagements, including the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session in New York.
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