ISLAMABAD: In a landmark decision, Amna Baloch, a Grade 22 officer, has been officially appointed as Pakistan’s new foreign secretary. The announcement was made through an official notification issued by the Establishment Division, following the Prime Minister’s approval.
Baloch, a seasoned diplomat who most recently served as Pakistan’s ambassador to Belgium, is set to take charge on September 11th. She will succeed Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi, who is retiring on September 10th and will subsequently join the Federal Public Service Commission as a member.
Baloch’s appointment is a testament to her distinguished career and extensive experience in international diplomacy. Her tenure as ambassador to Belgium witnessed her adeptly navigating Pakistan’s diplomatic ties with Europe and fostering stronger bilateral relations.
Notably, Baloch will be only the second woman to hold the esteemed position of foreign secretary in Pakistan, following Tehmina Janjua’s groundbreaking appointment in 2017. With a career encompassing crucial diplomatic roles in Malaysia, China, Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the foreign minister’s office, Baloch brings a wealth of expertise to her new role. She joined the Pakistan Foreign Service in 1991 and possesses a master’s degree in history.
This high-profile appointment is accompanied by other significant diplomatic changes. Faisal Trimizi, the current ambassador to the UAE, is expected to replace Baloch as the envoy to Brussels and the European Union. Additionally, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch is slated to become Pakistan’s ambassador to France, taking over from Asim Iftikhar, who has been appointed as Pakistan’s additional permanent representative to the United Nations in New York. It is anticipated that Iftikhar will eventually succeed Ambassador Munir Akram.
Further diplomatic appointments include Janbaz Khan as the new ambassador to Brunei, Malik Farooq as the envoy to South Africa, and Mohammad Saleem as Pakistan’s ambassador to Canada.
These appointments signal a strategic shift in Pakistan’s diplomatic landscape, highlighting the government’s commitment to leveraging seasoned expertise and promoting diversity in its diplomatic corps. As Pakistan navigates complex global challenges and seeks to strengthen its international relations, the leadership of Amna Baloch as foreign secretary promises a new era of dynamic and effective diplomacy.
