Islamabad:Foreign Secretary Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad called on Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Monday upon formally assuming charge at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ishaq Dar appreciated Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad's contributions during his tenure as Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York and wished him success in his new responsibilities.

Meanwhile Ishaq Dar wrote on X, 'Foreign Secretary Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad assumed charge formally today'.

Earlier on 9th September, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar in a statement issued on X had announced 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.

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'.

It is worth mentioning here that Asim Iftikhar Ahmed has served as Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Pakistan Ambassador to France and Foreign Office Spokesperson.