In a significant development, Amna Baloch, a Grade-22 officer of the Foreign Service of Pakistan, has been appointed as the new Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). She will officially assume her duties on September 11, 2024, following the retirement of the current Foreign Secretary, Muhammad Cyrus Sajjad Qazi, who retires on September 10, 2024.
Amna Baloch’s Diplomatic Career
Amna Baloch brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Prior to her appointment, she served as Pakistan’s Ambassador to the European Union (EU) in Belgium, a critical diplomatic post where she was responsible for overseeing Pakistan’s relations with EU member countries and institutions. Her tenure in Belgium was marked by successful engagements on trade, security, and regional cooperation, enhancing Pakistan’s ties with European nations.
Amna Baloch’s Diplomatic Profile:
| Position | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Role | Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (from Sept 11) |
| Previous Role | Pakistan’s Ambassador to the EU in Belgium |
| Diplomatic Career | Over two decades of experience in foreign service |
| Key Areas of Expertise | Trade, regional security, bilateral relations |
Her diplomatic career spans more than two decades, during which she has held various key positions both within Pakistan and abroad. Her appointment as Foreign Secretary marks a continuation of her exceptional career, and she is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Pakistan’s foreign policy in the coming years.
Outgoing Foreign Secretary: Muhammad Cyrus Sajjad Qazi
Amna Baloch will be taking over from Muhammad Cyrus Sajjad Qazi, who has served as the Foreign Secretary with distinction. As his tenure comes to an end, he has been appointed as a member of the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC). Qazi’s contribution to Pakistan’s foreign relations has been notable, particularly in enhancing the country’s global standing.
Outgoing Foreign Secretary’s Profile:
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Muhammad Cyrus Sajjad Qazi | Foreign Secretary (retiring on Sept 10) |
| New Role | Member, Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) |
Additional Appointments and Transfers
In parallel with these high-profile changes, several other appointments and transfers have been made across various ministries and divisions within the federal government:
- Khaliq-ur-Rahman – A Grade-20 officer of the Secretariat Group, who had been awaiting his next appointment, has been appointed as the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Production. He brings experience from prior administrative roles within the government.
- Jawaria Saleem – Assistant Director, previously posted on deputation at the Board of Investment, has been transferred, and her services have been returned to the Competition Commission of Pakistan.
- Section Officer Transfers: Several Section Officers have been transferred across ministries to ensure efficient functioning of government departments:
- Sajid Khan – Transferred from the Interior Division to the Establishment Division.
- Ali Faisal – Moved from the Establishment Division to the Finance Division.
- Anam Jamal – Transferred from the Establishment Division to the Finance Division’s Military Finance Wing.
- Rida Fatima – Deputy Director at the Regional Information Office, PID Peshawar, has been transferred to Qaumi Wirsa Division as a Section Officer on deputation.
- Mohammad Afzal – Appointed as Section Officer, Establishment Division.
Summary of Transfers and Appointments:
| Officer Name | Previous Role | New Role |
|---|---|---|
| Khaliq-ur-Rahman | Awaiting appointment | Joint Secretary, Ministry of Industry & Production |
| Jawaria Saleem | Assistant Director, Board of Investment | Returned to Competition Commission of Pakistan |
| Sajid Khan | Section Officer, Interior Division | Section Officer, Establishment Division |
| Ali Faisal | Section Officer, Establishment Division | Section Officer, Finance Division |
| Anam Jamal | Section Officer, Establishment Division | Section Officer, Finance Division (Military Wing) |
| Rida Fatima | Deputy Director, Regional Information Office, PID Peshawar | Section Officer, Qaumi Wirsa Division (on deputation) |
| Mohammad Afzal | New appointment | Section Officer, Establishment Division |
Implications of the Appointments
Amna Baloch’s appointment as the Secretary of Foreign Affairs is seen as a strategic decision, particularly given her extensive experience in diplomacy, international relations, and trade negotiations. Her expertise in dealing with the European Union will be critical in strengthening Pakistan’s position on global issues like trade, climate change, and regional security.
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