FS Asim Iftikhar Ahmad pledges dedicated service to Pakistan

Liaquat Ali

Islamabad: Newly appointed Foreign Secretary Asim Iftikhar Ahmad has expressed his gratitude over being entrusted with the responsibility of leading Pakistan’s diplomatic service, describing the appointment as a great honour and reaffirming his commitment to serving the country.

In his first public remarks following his appointment, Ambassador Ahmad said it was a “great honor” to have been entrusted with the responsibility, adding that he was proud to serve Pakistan.

His brief statement underscored his sense of duty as he takes on one of the most important positions in the country’s foreign policy establishment, at a time when Pakistan faces a complex regional and international environment requiring sustained diplomatic engagement, strategic coordination and the strengthening of bilateral and multilateral partnerships.

As foreign secretary, Ambassador Ahmad will head the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and oversee the implementation of Pakistan’s foreign policy priorities, coordination with Pakistani diplomatic missions abroad and engagement with foreign governments and international organisations. The position also carries a central role in advising the political leadership on international developments and coordinating diplomatic responses to emerging regional and global challenges.

Pakistan’s diplomatic agenda encompasses strengthening relations with neighbouring countries, deepening strategic and economic cooperation with key partners, advancing trade and investment diplomacy, and promoting the country’s position on regional security, counterterrorism and international peace and stability.

Relations with China, the United States, Gulf countries and European partners, alongside engagement with multilateral institutions, are among the important dimensions of Pakistan’s foreign policy. Managing relations with Afghanistan and India, safeguarding Pakistan’s position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, and advocating the rights of the Palestinian people also remain significant diplomatic priorities.

Ambassador Ahmad’s appointment brings extensive diplomatic experience to the foreign secretary’s office. A career diplomat, he has served in a range of important assignments within Pakistan’s foreign service, including as Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations in New York and as ambassador to France. His experience in multilateral diplomacy and bilateral relations is expected to inform his approach to the challenges confronting Pakistan’s foreign policy establishment.

His tenure at the United Nations provided him with experience of international diplomacy, multilateral negotiations and engagement on issues of importance to Pakistan. His diplomatic assignments have also involved strengthening political dialogue and advancing Pakistan’s interests in relations with international partners.

The foreign secretary plays a key role in maintaining continuity in foreign policy, translating the government’s diplomatic priorities into practical initiatives and ensuring effective coordination between the Foreign Office, Pakistan’s missions abroad and other state institutions.