BRUSSELS, (Unib Rashid) – Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmed has been appointed as Pakistan’s new and 34th Foreign Secretary, following the retirement of incumbent Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced the appointment, saying that Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmed, who is currently serving as Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, will assume the office of Foreign Secretary.

In his statement, Ishaq Dar paid tribute to Ambassador Amna Baloch, Pakistan’s 33rd Foreign Secretary, who will retire from government service on September 17, 2026, after a distinguished diplomatic career spanning more than three decades.

The Foreign Minister appreciated Ambassador Amna Baloch’s dedicated services and leadership at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during an important period in Pakistan’s diplomatic history.

Ishaq Dar said Ambassador Amna Baloch was leaving behind a distinguished legacy of dedicated public service and extended his best wishes to her for the next phase of her diplomatic career.

He further announced that after her retirement from government service, Ambassador Amna Baloch will take up her new assignment as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Türkiye.

The Foreign Minister expressed confidence that she would continue to serve Pakistan with distinction in her new diplomatic role.

Announcing Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmed as the next Foreign Secretary, Ishaq Dar said he was confident that the Foreign Office, under his leadership, would build on the important work carried out by Ambassador Amna Baloch and her predecessors.

He said the Foreign Office would continue to safeguard and advance Pakistan’s national interests with a clear strategy, professionalism and commitment.

The Foreign Minister also confirmed that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had approved the appointments of both Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmed as Foreign Secretary and Ambassador Amna Baloch as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Türkiye.