Dr. Muhammad Faisal Appointed Additional Secretary for Asia Pacific at Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Overseas Pakistani Community Congratulates Dr. Faisal on His New Assignment

LONDON (Waqar Malik) — Senior Pakistani diplomat Dr. Muhammad Faisal has taken up a new responsibility as Additional Secretary for Asia Pacific at Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Asia Pacific Division deals with Pakistan’s relations with a wide range of countries and regions, including China, East Asia and the Pacific, South Asia and Southeast Asia.

Dr. Faisal joined Pakistan’s Foreign Service in 1995 and has served in a number of important positions both at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and abroad. He also served as Director General and spokesperson for the Ministry, where he became known for his clear, measured and well-prepared briefings on Pakistan’s foreign policy and international affairs.

His diplomatic career has included postings in Brussels and Jeddah. He served as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Germany from April 2020 to July 2023 before becoming High Commissioner of Pakistan to the United Kingdom in August 2023, a position he held until recently.

The Overseas Pakistani community has warmly welcomed his new appointment, with community representatives describing it as recognition of his long diplomatic experience and service.

During his time in the UK, Dr. Faisal maintained regular engagement with the Pakistani community and worked to communicate Pakistan’s position to British media, political circles and the wider public. His role became particularly prominent during periods of heightened tensions between Pakistan and India, when he regularly presented Pakistan’s position and stressed the importance of dialogue and peace.

Community leaders also remember him for being accessible and willing to listen. They say he made an effort to hear the concerns of ordinary Pakistanis, including people who did not have strong connections or influential channels, and where possible brought those concerns to the attention of the relevant authorities.

He also encouraged young Pakistanis in Britain to become more involved in their local communities, take part in civic life and contribute positively to society. Several young people subsequently became more active in community organisations and local politics.

As Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Dr. Faisal was similarly recognised for his ability to explain Pakistan’s official position on complex regional and international issues in a clear and understandable manner.

For many members of the Pakistani community in Britain, his departure is therefore being seen not simply as the end of a diplomatic posting, but as the departure of a diplomat who maintained a close connection with the people he represented.

Community representatives have expressed their gratitude for his services in the UK and said they are confident that his new assignment will give him an opportunity to contribute further to Pakistan’s foreign policy, strengthen relations across the Asia Pacific region and remain attentive to the interests of Pakistanis living abroad.

His ability to build relationships across political and diplomatic circles has also been noted. During his relatively short tenure in the UK, he established contacts with senior British political and royal circles, including Prime Minister-level officials and King Charles III. His previous postings in Brussels and Germany also enabled him to develop strong relationships with European ministers and officials.

Dr. Muhammad Faisal holds degrees in MBBS, MSc, LLM and Political Science.

The Overseas Pakistani community once again extends its warm congratulations to Dr. Faisal on his appointment and wishes him every success in his new responsibility.