FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi appointed UN representative in major diplomatic shake-up

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – Pakistan has approved a fresh round of high-level diplomatic appointments and transfers, reshaping key overseas missions including the United Kingdom, Afghanistan, and several European and North American postings.

The changes were cleared by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as part of a broader reshuffle within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs covering 24 senior diplomatic positions.

New High Commissioner to UK

Under the new appointments, Captain (retd) Usman Tipu has been nominated as Pakistan’s new High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, replacing Dr Faisal. Dr Faisal is considered among the strong candidates for the post of Foreign Secretary following the upcoming retirement of Amna Baloch in September.

Officials said the appointment to London is among the most significant changes in the latest round of postings, given the importance of the UK mission for political, consular, and diaspora engagement. Captain (retd) Tipu will take over charge from Dr Faisal as Pakistan’s top envoy in Britain.

New Permanent Representative to UN

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi has been appointed as Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva. His move marks a shift from the spokesperson’s role to a major multilateral diplomatic assignment.

New ambassadors

A new ambassador has also been designated for Afghanistan. Dr Syed Asad Ali Gillani will assume diplomatic responsibilities in Kabul, replacing Ubaidur Rehman Nizamani. Nizamani has been reassigned as Pakistan’s ambassador to Sweden.

Bilal Ahmad has been transferred from Pakistan’s UN Mission in Geneva to Saudi Arabia, where he will replace Ahmed Farooq. Ahmed Farooq is expected to return to Islamabad after completing his tenure. In another adjustment, Mudassar Tipu has been moved from Iran to Uzbekistan.

Further appointments include Salman, previously posted at the Prime Minister’s House, who has been named ambassador to Germany, while Sania Afzal Qazi has been appointed ambassador to Thailand.

Additional postings include Asim Ali Khan as ambassador to Norway, Siraj Ahmad Khan as Consul General in Los Angeles, Asad Shahzad as ambassador to Uganda, and Muhammad Faisal Abroo as Consul General in Montreal.

Sources also confirmed that extensions have been granted to three ambassadors despite completion of their official terms. Khalil Hashmi will continue in China, Ali Javed in Italy, and Aamir Aftab Qureshi in Greece under extended tenure approvals.