Asim Iftikhar Ahmad takes charge as foreign secretary after high-profile UN assignment

Liaquat Ali

Islamabad: Bringing extensive multilateral diplomatic experience and a distinguished record of representing Pakistan at the United Nations to the country’s top career diplomatic position, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad on Monday formally assumed charge as Pakistan’s 34th foreign secretary and called on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The meeting marked the beginning of Ambassador Ahmad’s tenure at the helm of Pakistan’s diplomatic establishment, following his significant assignment as the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, where he represented Pakistan on a range of critical international issues and engaged with member states and multilateral institutions.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar congratulated Ambassador Ahmad on assuming the prestigious responsibility and acknowledged his valuable contributions to Pakistan’s diplomatic endeavours during his tenure at the United Nations.

Recognising his services on the multilateral front, the foreign minister appreciated Ambassador Ahmad’s role in advancing Pakistan’s positions at the world body and strengthening the country’s diplomatic engagement on issues of national and international importance. He also conveyed his best wishes to the newly appointed foreign secretary, expressing confidence that his experience, professional expertise and diplomatic acumen would serve Pakistan well in his new assignment.

Ambassador Ahmad’s assumption of charge comes at a significant juncture for Pakistan’s foreign policy, as Islamabad continues to navigate an increasingly complex international environment, deepen engagement with regional and global partners, strengthen bilateral relations and pursue its political, economic and security interests through sustained diplomatic outreach.

His appointment brings to the Foreign Office a diplomat with first-hand experience of multilateral negotiations, international diplomacy and the articulation of Pakistan’s foreign policy priorities before the United Nations. His recent assignment in New York placed him at the centre of Pakistan’s engagement with the international community, offering valuable exposure to the workings of the multilateral system and the diplomatic challenges confronting the country.

As foreign secretary, Ambassador Ahmad will oversee the functioning of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its diplomatic missions abroad, working closely with the foreign minister, senior officials and Pakistan’s envoys to translate the government’s foreign policy objectives into coordinated diplomatic initiatives.

The position is central to the formulation, coordination and implementation of Pakistan’s external relations. The foreign secretary serves as the senior career diplomat and a key institutional adviser on foreign policy, overseeing diplomatic coordination, managing official engagements and ensuring consistency in the country’s interactions with foreign governments and international organisations.

The responsibilities also include steering the Foreign Office’s administrative and professional machinery, coordinating bilateral and multilateral initiatives, and maintaining engagement with Pakistan’s diplomatic missions to ensure that the country’s interests are effectively represented internationally.

Ambassador Ahmad’s experience at the United Nations is expected to be particularly relevant as Pakistan continues to engage international partners on matters involving regional peace and security, multilateral cooperation and broader global challenges. His familiarity with international diplomatic processes and negotiations is an important professional asset as the Foreign Office pursues Pakistan’s positions across diverse international platforms.

His transition from Pakistan’s permanent representative in New York to the country’s top diplomatic position also reflects the importance of multilateral experience in the management of contemporary foreign relations, where bilateral diplomacy increasingly intersects with global institutions, international partnerships and evolving geopolitical dynamics.

With Ambassador Ahmad now assuming charge, the Foreign Office enters a new phase of leadership under a career diplomat whose recent experience has been shaped by Pakistan’s engagement at the highest levels of multilateral diplomacy. His tenure will involve coordinating the country’s diplomatic priorities, strengthening institutional effectiveness and supporting efforts to advance Pakistan’s national interests through constructive engagement with the international community.