Asim Iftikhar to take charge as foreign secretary

Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad has been appointed as Pakistan’s next foreign secretary, Deputy Prime

ISLAMABAD: Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad has been appointed as Pakistan’s next foreign secretary, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Wednesday.

Asim Iftikhar is currently serving as Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations. He will take over as the country’s top diplomatic official following the retirement of Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch.

In a statement, Dar expressed confidence in Asim Iftikhar’s ability to lead the Foreign Office and further Pakistan’s diplomatic and national interests.

He said the Foreign Office would continue working with professionalism and clarity under the incoming foreign secretary. He also acknowledged the efforts made by Amna Baloch and her predecessors in advancing Pakistan’s foreign policy objectives.

Amna Baloch, who is Pakistan’s 33rd foreign secretary, is scheduled to retire from government service on September 17, 2026. She has served the Foreign Office for more than three decades and held several important diplomatic assignments during her career.

Dar praised Baloch for her leadership of the Foreign Ministry during an important period for Pakistan’s diplomacy. He appreciated her commitment to public service and wished her success in her future responsibilities.

Following her retirement, Baloch will take charge as Pakistan’s ambassador to Turkiye. Dar expressed confidence that she would continue to represent the country effectively in her new diplomatic role.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the new assignments, according to the deputy prime minister.

The appointment of Asim Iftikhar is expected to bring continuity to Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts as the Foreign Office manages the country’s relations with key regional and international partners.