Pakistan’s UN envoy Asim Iftikhar named new foreign secretary

Pakistan's UN envoy Asim Iftikhar named new foreign secretary.

Key points

• News Desk Published September 9, 2026 Updated September 9, 2026 10: 29pm.
• Baloch has been serving as Pakistan's 33rd foreign secretary since September 11, 2024.
• According to the foreign minister, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had additionally approved the aforementioned assignments.
• According to FM Dar, baloch would assume charge as Pakistan's ambassador to Türkiye after her retirement.
• "Thankful to Allah for His blessings, and to parents, family, friends and colleagues for their support and prayers."

News Desk Published September 9, 2026 Updated September 9, 2026 10: 29pm. Join our Whatsapp Channel. Add Dawn as a trusted source.

As the country's new foreign secretary, deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Pakistan's permanent representative to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad.

"I am delighted to also announce that Ambassador Ahmad, who is currently Pakistan's permanent representative to the UN, will be the next Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, " FM Dar remarked in a post on X.

"I am confident that, under Ambassador Iftikhar'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, " he continued.

Moreover, FM Dar commended Amna Baloch, the current foreign secretary, for her "dedicated service and leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during a consequential period in Pakistan's diplomatic history".

"Baloch leaves behind a legacy of dedicated public service and carries with her our warmest wishes, " he stated.

"I am confident she will continue to serve Pakistan with distinction in this new role, " he remarked.

Baloch has been serving as Pakistan's 33rd foreign secretary since September 11, 2024. She will retire from administration service on September 17.

In a post on X, Ambassador Ahmad additionally hailed his appointment as "a great honour".

"Deeply humbled by the confidence and trust reposed by the leadership. Looking forward to carrying out together this responsibility in advancing supreme national interest, " he remarked.

Taken together, the developments around pakistan's UN envoy Asim Iftikhar named new foreign secretary point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.