Asim Iftikhar Appointed as Pakistan’s New Foreign Secretary

Asim Iftikhar has been appointed as Pakistan’s new Foreign Secretary, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif granting formal approval for the appointment.

Iftikhar, currently serving as Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, will assume charge of the Foreign Office after the completion of the tenure of incumbent Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch. Baloch is scheduled to complete her term in the third week of September.

A senior career diplomat, Asim Iftikhar brings extensive experience in bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. He previously served as Pakistan’s ambassador to France and Thailand and has held key positions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including as its spokesperson.

The appointment comes as the government prepares for a leadership transition at the Foreign Office. Iftikhar is expected to return to Islamabad and take up his new responsibilities shortly.