ISLAMABAD: Amna Baloch, a Grade 22 officer, has been appointed as Pakistan’s new foreign secretary, according to an official notification issued by the Establishment Division following the Prime Minister’s approval.
Baloch, who previously served as Pakistan’s ambassador to Belgium, will assume her new role on September 11, succeeding Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi, who is retiring on September 10. Qazi will transition to a position as a member of the Federal Public Service Commission.
Baloch’s appointment underscores her extensive experience in international diplomacy. As ambassador to Belgium, she played a crucial role in advancing Pakistan’s diplomatic interests in Europe and strengthening bilateral relations.
Baloch will be Pakistan’s second female foreign secretary, following Tehmina Janjua, the first woman to hold the position. With a career spanning several key diplomatic roles, Baloch brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She previously served as Pakistan’s high commissioner to Malaysia, consul general 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. She joined the Pakistan Foreign Service in 1991 and holds a master’s degree in history.
In related diplomatic changes, Faisal Trimizi, currently Pakistan’s ambassador to the UAE, is expected to succeed Baloch as the envoy to Brussels and the European Union. Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch is set to become Pakistan’s ambassador to France, replacing Asim Iftikhar, who has been appointed as Pakistan’s additional permanent representative to the United Nations in New York. Iftikhar is anticipated to eventually succeed Ambassador Munir Akram.
Additional 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.
