Islamabad: The process of selecting Pakistan’s next Foreign Secretary has entered an important stage, with key decisions expected at the Prime Minister’s House ahead of the retirement of incumbent Foreign Secretary Amina Baloch.
Amina Baloch is set to reach the age of 60 and retire from government service on September 18. According to reports, the possibility of extending her tenure is considered very low, meaning the government is likely to appoint a new Foreign Secretary before her retirement.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will have to choose the country’s next Foreign Secretary from among the senior Grade-22 diplomats serving in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The appointment is considered significant as the Foreign Secretary plays a central role in shaping and implementing Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Several senior diplomats are reportedly being considered for the key position. The names under discussion include Rahim Hayat Qureshi, Asim Iftikhar, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh and Faisal Niaz Tirmizi.
The final decision will depend on the government’s assessment of the candidates’ experience, diplomatic background and suitability for handling Pakistan’s foreign policy challenges. The Foreign Secretary is also responsible for overseeing the country’s diplomatic missions and coordinating important foreign policy matters with other state institutions.
The appointment comes at a crucial time for Pakistan, as Islamabad continues to manage relations with major regional and global partners. Issues involving economic diplomacy, regional security, bilateral relations and international cooperation remain important areas for the Foreign Office.
With Amina Baloch’s retirement date approaching, attention is now focused on the Prime Minister’s House and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A decision on the next Foreign Secretary is expected before September 18, when the current officeholder completes her service.
