Amna Baloch appointed as Pakistan’s new foreign secretary

Celina Ali

Islamabad: Amna Baloch, a Grade 22 officer, has been appointed as the new foreign secretary of Pakistan. The official notification of her appointment was issued by the Establishment Division following the approval of the prime minister.

Amina Baloch, who previously served as Pakistan’s ambassador to Belgium, will now take on the role of foreign secretary, one of the most critical positions in the country’s diplomatic framework. Her appointment comes as Pakistan navigates complex global challenges and seeks to strengthen its international relationships.

Ms Baloch is set to take charge of office on September 11 after the incumbent, Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi, retires on September 10. Qazi has been appointed as a member of Federal Public Service Commission.

The decision to appoint Baloch as foreign secretary reflects her extensive experience and expertise in international diplomacy. During her tenure as ambassador, she was instrumental in advancing Pakistan’s diplomatic interests in Europe, particularly in Belgium, where she played a key role in enhancing bilateral relations.

Baloch will be Pakistan’s second-ever female foreign secretary, following in the footsteps of Tehmina Janjua, the first woman to hold the position. Baloch, a seasoned career diplomat, brings extensive experience from her service in various international capitals.

Before her current role as Pakistan’s ambassador to Belgium, Amna Baloch served as the high commissioner of Pakistan in Malaysia. Baloch holds a master’s degree in history and began her diplomatic career by joining the Pakistan Foreign Service in 1991.

Throughout her career, she has held various key positions both at the headquarters and in missions abroad, including consul general of Pakistan in Chengdu, China; minister counsellor in Colombo, Sri Lanka; joint secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office; and additional secretary in the foreign minister’s office.

Faisal Trimizi, currently serving as Pakistan’s ambassador to the UAE, is expected to succeed Baloch as the country’s envoy to Brussels and the European Union.

Additionally, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch is set to become Pakistan’s ambassador to France, succeeding Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, who was recently appointed as Pakistan’s additional permanent representative to the United Nations in New York. It is anticipated that Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad will eventually take over from Ambassador Munir Akram, a veteran diplomat.

Other 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.