ISLAMABAD  –  Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, is set to take over as the country’s new Foreign Secretary in October, succeeding Ambassador Amna Baloch who retires in a few days from the position.

She will then proceed to Türkiye as Pakistan’s Ambassador. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved her appointment as envoy,

Senior diplomat Nabeel Munir is expected to become Acting Foreign Secretary in the meanwhile.

Ambassador Asim is likely to return in October. The exact dates are still unknown as the incumbent PR in UN is busy completing his matters before relinquishing the charge (as PR),” a diplomatic source said.

He added: “Since there will be an acting FS, we should not worry even if Ambassador Asim has to stay back till November. The UN activities are also very important.”

Ambassador Asim Iftikhar’s appointment comes at a critical juncture for Pakistan’s foreign policy, with Islamabad simultaneously managing relations with major powers, neighbouring countries, the Gulf region and Europe while pursuing economic diplomacy and an increasingly active multilateral agenda

A career diplomat, Asim Iftikhar has served as Pakistan’s ambassador to France and Monaco and as ambassador to Thailand. He has also served as spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and held senior positions at the Foreign Office dealing with multilateral, regional and international affairs.

His current assignment at the United Nations has placed him at the centre of Pakistan’s engagement with the multilateral system, giving him extensive exposure to international peace and security, development, global governance and major geopolitical issues confronting the international community.

His experience in New York is expected to be particularly relevant as Pakistan continues to use multilateral forums to advance its diplomatic priorities, including issues relating to regional security, the Kashmir dispute, international peace and security, sustainable development and reform of global institutions.

The change at the top of the Foreign Office comes at a time when Pakistan’s diplomatic priorities have broadened considerably. Alongside traditional security and political issues, Islamabad is placing greater emphasis on economic diplomacy, investment, trade, technology partnerships, connectivity and support for export-oriented economic growth.

Relations with China will remain one of the key pillars of Pakistan’s foreign policy. Islamabad is seeking to further deepen the longstanding strategic partnership with Beijing, with particular emphasis on the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, investment, industrial cooperation, agriculture, information technology, science and technology and regional connectivity.

The new Foreign Secretary will also inherit the challenging task of managing Pakistan’s relationship with the United States at a time when Islamabad seeks greater economic and commercial engagement with Washington while maintaining its strategic partnership with China. Pakistan has continued to emphasise that it wants constructive relations with all major powers based on mutual respect, sovereign equality and national interests

Afghanistan will constitute another major foreign-policy challenge. Pakistan has repeatedly called for effective action against militant groups operating from Afghan territory and has stressed the need for Kabul to prevent its territory from being used against Pakistan. At the same time, Islamabad maintains that it wants peaceful and stable relations with Afghanistan and supports regional efforts aimed at promoting dialogue and stability.

India-related issues will also remain central to the Foreign Office agenda, particularly the Kashmir dispute, regional security and the future of the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan continues to maintain that disputes with India should be addressed through dialogue and in accordance with international obligations and existing agreements.

The evolving situation in the Middle East is likely to add another layer to Pakistan’s diplomatic responsibilities. Islamabad maintains close relations with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states while also seeking to preserve constructive engagement with Iran. Pakistan has increasingly sought to position itself as a country capable of facilitating dialogue and promoting regional stability.

Economic diplomacy is expected to remain a major priority under the new Foreign Secretary. Pakistani missions abroad are increasingly being tasked with supporting investment promotion, expanding export markets, attracting technology and facilitating business-to-business contacts.

Ambassador Asim Iftikhar’s extensive multilateral experience could provide additional momentum to these efforts as Pakistan seeks a more prominent role in international forums and attempts to project itself as a constructive partner on global and regional issues.