Celina Ali
Islamabad: The race for Pakistan’s next foreign secretary has entered a crucial phase, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expected to make the final appointment on the recommendation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, diplomatic sources said.
With incumbent Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch set to retire on September 18, the government has stepped up consultations over her successor, with five senior Grade-22 diplomats continuing to figure prominently in the race for one of the country’s most important diplomatic positions.
Sources said no candidate had so far been formally ruled out, although Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, is attracting particular attention because of his extensive multilateral experience, seniority and long association with some of Pakistan’s most important foreign-policy assignments.
Besides Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, the other diplomats under serious consideration are Ambassador Rahim Hayat Qureshi, currently posted to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union; Ambassador Syed Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan’s envoy to Russia; Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, ambassador to the United States; and Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan, ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.
The appointment assumes added significance as Pakistan navigates an increasingly complex diplomatic environment involving major powers, neighbouring states, the Gulf region, Europe and key multilateral institutions.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad is emerging as one of the most closely watched names in the selection process.
Currently serving as Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, Asim Iftikhar brings substantial experience of multilateral diplomacy and has been at the forefront of Pakistan’s engagement with the UN system and a wide range of international issues.
His diplomatic career includes assignments as Pakistan’s ambassador to France and Thailand, in addition to senior responsibilities at the Foreign Office. He has also served as Foreign Office spokesperson, giving him extensive experience in dealing with sensitive diplomatic and political issues as well as the media.
Diplomatic circles believe his current UN assignment could be an important factor in the selection process at a time when Pakistan is seeking to strengthen its profile and diplomatic outreach at international forums.
His candidacy, however, also comes with an important consideration. Asim Iftikhar Ahmad is due to reach the age of 60 in November, which could require a decision on extension of service if he is selected for the Foreign Secretary’s position.
Despite that factor, his extensive multilateral exposure, seniority and experience in handling major international issues continue to keep him firmly in contention.
The incoming foreign secretary will inherit an exceptionally broad agenda, including relations with major powers, neighbouring countries, the Gulf states, Europe and international organisations, alongside economic diplomacy and regional and global security issues.
With Amna Baloch’s retirement only days away, the government is expected to move relatively quickly to ensure a smooth transition.
