Amna Baloch to Retire as Foreign Secretary on Sept 17; Asim Iftikhar Named Successor: DPM Dar
ISLAMABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 9th Sep, 2026) Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Wednesday announced that Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad would be the next Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, succeeding Ambassador Amna Baloch.
Writing on his official X wall, the deputy prime minister said Ambassador Amna Baloch, the 33rd Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, would retire from government service on September 17, 2026, after a distinguished career spanning more than three decades.
He commended her dedicated service and leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during a consequential period in Pakistan’s diplomatic history.
"Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch leaves behind a legacy of dedicated public service, and carries with her our warmest wishes," Senator Dar said.
He added that Ambassador Amna Baloch would assume charge as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkey after her retirement, expressing confidence that she would continue to serve Pakistan with distinction in her new role.
The deputy prime minister said he was also delighted to announce that Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, currently serving as Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, would be the country’s next Foreign Secretary.
"I am confident that, under Ambassador Asim’s leadership, the Foreign Office will continue to advance Pakistan’s interests with clarity, professionalism and purpose," he said.
Senator Dar said the new Foreign Secretary would build on the important work undertaken by Ambassador Amna Baloch and all her predecessors. He further said Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had approved the assignments.
