Asim Iftikhar Ahmad appointed next Foreign Secretary of Pakistan 

Islamabad: (Web Desk): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Wednesday announced that Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad will take over as Pakistan’s next Foreign Secretary succeeding Ambassador Amna Baloch completes her tenure.

In a message posted on his official X account, Senator Dar said Ambassador Amna Baloch, who is serving as Pakistan’s 33rd Foreign Secretary, will formally retire from government service on September 17, 2026, bringing to an end a diplomatic career spanning over three decades.

DPM Dar acknowledged her longstanding contributions and praised the leadership she provided to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during a particularly significant phase in Pakistan’s diplomatic history.

“Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch leaves behind a legacy of dedicated public service, and carries with her our warmest wishes,” he said.

He said Ambassador Amna Baloch would not be stepping away from diplomatic service completely, as she is set to assume responsibilities as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkiye following her retirement.

The deputy prime minister expressed hope that she would continue to represent the country with the same dedication and distinction in her new assignment.

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. I commend her dedicated service and…

— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) September 9, 2026

DPM Dar said he was also delighted to announce that Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, currently serving as Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, would be the country’s next Foreign Secretary.

“I am confident that, under Ambassador Asim’s leadership, the Foreign Office will continue to advance Pakistan’s interests with clarity, professionalism and purpose,” he said.

The deputy prime minister said Ambassador Asim would take forward the work carried out by Ambassador Amna Baloch as well as the Foreign Secretaries who served before her.

DPM Dar also confirmed that the appointments had received approval from Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.