ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Asim Iftikhar has been appointed as Pakistan’s new Foreign Secretary, replacing Amina Baloch, whose tenure is set to conclude later this month.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the appointment of Asim Iftikhar as Foreign Secretary, according to official sources. Iftikhar is currently serving as Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.
He is expected to return to Islamabad and assume charge as Foreign Secretary after completing his current diplomatic assignment.
Iftikhar is a senior career diplomat who has held several key positions during his diplomatic career. His appointment comes as the Foreign Office prepares for a change at the top following the completion of Amina Baloch’s tenure in the third week of September.
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, 2026Baloch has been serving as Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary and is scheduled to complete her tenure this month. The government has therefore approved Iftikhar’s appointment to take over the position.
As Foreign Secretary, Iftikhar will be responsible for overseeing Pakistan’s diplomatic affairs and coordinating the country’s foreign policy engagement with other states and international organisations.
His appointment comes at a time when Pakistan continues to navigate a range of regional and international diplomatic priorities, including relations with neighbouring countries and engagement at multilateral forums.
Iftikhar’s current posting at the United Nations has also given him extensive experience in multilateral diplomacy. He will formally take charge of the Foreign Secretary’s office following the completion of the necessary transition process.