Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has said that the 33rd Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, Ambassador Amna Baloch, after a distinguished career spanning over three decades and her tenure as Foreign Secretary since 11 September 2024, will retire from government service on 17 September 2026.

In a statement issued on X, Ishaq Dar wrote 'I commend 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. She will assume charge as Pakistan's Ambassador to Trkiye, after retirement. I am confident she will continue to serve Pakistan with distinction in this new role'.

Ishaq Dar wrote 'I am delighted to also announce that Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, who is currently Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, will be the next Foreign Secretary of Pakistan. I am confident that, under Ambassador Asim's leadership, the Foreign Office will continue to advance Pakistan's interests with clarity, professionalism and purpose, building on the important work undertaken by Ambassador Amna Baloch and all her predecessors'.

Ishaq Dar wrote 'I am further pleased to share that the Honourable Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has kindly approved the aforesaid assignments'.