Asim Iftikhar named next foreign secretary as Amna Baloch retires on Sept 17

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Wednesday that Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch will retire from government service on September 17 after a career spanning more than three decades.

“The 33rd Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, Ambassador Amna Baloch, after a distinguished career spanning over three decades and her tenure as Foreign Secretary since 11 September 2024, will retire from government service on 17 September 2026,” Dar said in a post on X.

“I commend her dedicated service and leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during a consequential period in Pakistan's diplomatic history.”

“Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch leaves behind a legacy of dedicated public service, and carries with her our warmest wishes. She will assume charge as Pakistan's Ambassador to Türkiye, after retirement. I am confident she will continue to serve Pakistan with distinction in this new role.”

Dar also announced that Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, currently Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, will become the country’s next foreign secretary.

“I am delighted to also announce that Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, who is currently Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, will be the next Foreign Secretary of Pakistan.”

“I am confident that, under Ambassador Asim's leadership, the Foreign Office will continue to advance Pakistan's interests with clarity, professionalism and purpose, building on the important work undertaken by Ambassador Amna Baloch and all her predecessors.”

“I am further pleased to share that the Honourable Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has kindly approved the aforesaid assignments,” he added.