Amna Baloch will become Pakistan’s new foreign secretary, succeeding Dr. Syrus Sajjad Qazi. Her new role will officially begin on September 11.
Amna Baloch is currently serving as Pakistan’s envoy to the European Union, Belgium, and Luxembourg; Baloch’s promotion marks her as the second woman this month to secure a federal secretary position, following Ambreen Jan’s appointment as the Secretary of Information and Broadcasting.
Meanwhile, Dr. Qazi is expected to receive an ambassadorial position in a key country following his departure. In related shifts, FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch has been designated as Pakistan’s Ambassador to France, taking over from Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, who will now serve as Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, replacing Munir Akram.
The reshuffling extends beyond these appointments. Muhammad Saleem, the Additional Secretary Ambassador at the Foreign Office, has been appointed High Commissioner for Canada. Janbaz Khan will take over as Ambassador for Brunei Darussalam, and Syed Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, previously Ambassador in the UAE, will now represent Pakistan in Belgium and the EU. Malik Muhammad Farooq, formerly the Ambassador in Kuwait, has been appointed High Commissioner for South Africa.
These appointments and reassignments are part of a broader diplomatic shuffle approved by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif following recommendations from Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who also serves as the Foreign Minister. This series of strategic changes reflects the government’s ongoing adjustments to its diplomatic corps, aiming to bolster Pakistan’s representation and relations worldwide.
