- FO to advance Pakistan’s pursuits below Asim: Dar.
- DPM says Amna Baloch to retire on September 17.
- DPM Dar commends Baloch’s service and management.
Deputy Prime Minister and International Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Wednesday introduced that Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, who’s at present Pakistan’s everlasting consultant to the United Nations (UN), would be the subsequent international secretary of the nation.
In a submit on X, DPM Dar stated: “I’m assured that, below Ambassador Asim’s management, the International Workplace will proceed to advance Pakistan’s pursuits with readability, professionalism and function, constructing on the vital work undertaken by Ambassador Amna Baloch and all her predecessors.”
He maintained that Baloch, the thirty third International Secretary of Pakistan, would retire from authorities service on September 17, 2026, after a distinguished profession spanning greater than three many years.
He counseled Baloch’s devoted service and management of the Ministry of International Affairs throughout a consequential interval in Pakistan’s diplomatic historical past.
“International Secretary Amna Baloch leaves behind a legacy of devoted public service, and carries along with her our warmest needs,” the DPM added.
He added that Baloch would assume cost as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkiye after her retirement, expressing confidence that she would proceed to serve Pakistan with distinction in her new position.
He additional stated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had accredited the assignments.
Asim Iftikhar — a short profile
Iftikhar joined the International Service in 1993. In a diplomatic profession spanning three many years, Iftikhar has made his mark working throughout areas from Europe and Africa to Asia and the United Nations at numerous positions within the Ministry of International Affairs and Pakistan’s Missions overseas.
From November 2022 to December 2024, he was Pakistan’s ambassador to France and Monaco, and Everlasting Delegate to UNESCO.
Earlier than assuming his submit in Paris, Iftikhar held key project because the International Ministry’s spokesperson from August 2021 to November 2022. Concurrently, throughout that interval, he headed first the Asia Pacific Division after which the United Nations & Financial Diplomacy Division as Further International Secretary.
Beforehand, he served as Pakistan’s ambassador to Thailand from 2017 to 2021. His first diplomatic project was in Niamey, Niger (1997-2000).
On the International Ministry, he has additionally carried out obligations within the Personnel, Europe and Africa Divisions.
Iftikhar has distinguished himself particularly in multilateral diplomacy, from management positions on the ministry, to vital roles and assignments on the UN in New York and Geneva, in addition to being the nation’s Everlasting Consultant to UNESCAP (Bangkok) and UNESCO (Paris) the place he was additionally the Vice Chair (Asia Pacific Group) within the Government Board and Vice Chair of the Normal Convention.
Heading the UN Division on the Ministry of International Affairs, he oversaw big selection of areas from peace and safety to improvement, local weather change and human rights at Pakistan’s Missions in New York, Geneva, Rome, Vienna, Paris and Nairobi, in addition to the work of the UN system in Pakistan.
His prior expertise in New York (2003-9 and 2012-14) included obligations for political, peace and safety and reform points, performing as the point of interest for the Safety Council, reform of the Safety Council, political points within the Normal Meeting, Particular Political and Decolonisation (4th) Committee, battle prevention, peacekeeping and peace-building.
Iftikhar is a graduate of the College of Engineering and Know-how, Lahore (1991, Electrical Engineering, Gold Medal), and the College of the Punjab, Lahore (1988, Bachelor of Arts, Gold Medal).
Born on 27 November 1966 in Lahore, Iftikhar is married to Asma, they usually have three daughters.
