PM Shehbaz Sharif faces a key decision by Sept. 18 on Pakistan’s next foreign secretary, with several Grade-22 diplomats emerging as potential contenders for the country’s top diplomatic post.
WEBDESK – MEDIABITES – Courtesy: Azaz Syed
Pakistan is heading toward a closely watched change at the top of the Foreign Office, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expected to decide by Sept. 18 whether to appoint a new foreign secretary or extend the incumbent Amina Baloch’s tenure.
Baloch is due to retire after reaching the age of 60 on Sept. 18. According to a report by journalist Aizaz Syed, her chances of receiving an extension are considered low despite her reported close working relationship with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The report said Baloch could, however, be considered for a contractual diplomatic assignment after retirement, potentially as ambassador to a European country. She is reportedly interested in a European posting.
The coming appointment has gained added importance following Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts surrounding the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran in February and Islamabad’s subsequent mediation efforts. The episode highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic role in major regional crises and renewed attention on the career diplomats supporting the country’s foreign-policy leadership.
Although the formal authority to appoint the foreign secretary rests with the prime minister, civil-military input has traditionally been considered significant in the selection process.
Who Are the Main Contenders?
The seniority list includes several Grade-22 diplomats who could be considered for the post.
Rahim Hayat Qureshi, currently Pakistan’s ambassador to Belgium, is among the leading possibilities. His retirement is due on Feb. 2, 2029, giving him sufficient time to serve a meaningful tenure as foreign secretary.
Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations, is another name reportedly under consideration. He is highly senior and regarded as a specialist in UN affairs. However, he is due to retire on Nov. 27 this year, which could complicate his prospects.
Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States, is also a Grade-22 officer and remains in service until January 2028. His experience in Washington puts him among the diplomats who could be considered for the position.
Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan’s ambassador to Russia, is described in the report as one of the potentially stronger candidates. He has seniority, time remaining in service, and extensive diplomatic contacts.
Syed Ahsan Raza Shah, Pakistan’s ambassador to Malaysia, is another Grade-22 diplomat on the seniority list, although the report gives greater prominence to Tirmizi among the two.
Other names include Syeda Saqlain, a Grade-22 diplomat with experience as ambassador to Germany, and Shafqat Ali Khan, Pakistan’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, whose experience and current posting have fueled speculation about his candidacy.
Junior diplomat Khalil Hashmi, currently posted in China, has also been mentioned, although reports suggest he could instead be brought to Islamabad to coordinate the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit next year.
The decision is now being closely watched in Islamabad, with the prime minister facing a choice among experienced diplomats at a time when Pakistan’s foreign-policy challenges remain unusually demanding.
For now, the field remains open, but Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Rahim Hayat Qureshi, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad and Rizwan Saeed Sheikh appear among the most closely watched names as Sept. 18 approaches.
