Historic Appointment: Amna Baloch Named Next Foreign Secretary of Pakistan

Amna Baloch has been appointed as Pakistan's next foreign secretary, replacing Syrus Sajjad Qazi. Baloch, an accomplished diplomat, currently serves as Ambassador to the EU, Belgium, and Luxembourg. She will assume her new role on September 11, becoming the second woman to hold this position after Tehmina Janjua.

In a significant reshuffle, Pakistan has appointed Amna Baloch as its new foreign secretary, succeeding Syrus Sajjad Qazi who is set to retire next month, as reported by Geo News.

Amna Baloch, a Grade 22 officer of the Foreign Service of Pakistan, will take over her duties on September 11. Currently, she serves as Pakistan's Ambassador to the European Union, Belgium, and Luxembourg. She has been informed about her forthcoming appointment by the government.

Baloch has held various key positions in her diplomatic career, including high commissioner in Malaysia, Consul General at Chengdu, China, and Minister Counsellor at Colombo, Sri Lanka. She will be the second woman to serve as foreign secretary, following Tehmina Janjua's appointment in 2017.

Meanwhile, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch is set to become ambassador to France, replacing Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, who will take over as Pakistan's permanent representative to the UN, succeeding Munir Akram. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved these diplomatic changes.

(With inputs from agencies.)