Pakistan UN Envoy Asim Iftikhar Heads Home to Become Foreign Secretary

UNITED NATIONS — WEB DESK: Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, is preparing to leave New York this week to assume his new responsibilities as the country’s foreign secretary, ending a two-year assignment shaped by some of the most challenging international crises in recent years.

Ahmad arrived in New York in October 2024 as Pakistan prepared for its two-year elected term on the United Nations Security Council.

His latest posting marked his third assignment involving Pakistan’s work at the United Nations, following earlier UNSC-related assignments in 2003-04 and 2012-13.

His tenure as permanent representative coincided with a period of intense geopolitical instability, including the May 2025 military confrontation between Pakistan and India, the Gaza crisis and escalating conflict involving Israel and Iran.

Pakistan used its Security Council membership to emphasise conflict prevention, peaceful settlement of disputes, counterterrorism, peacekeeping and cooperation with regional organisations.

During Pakistan’s presidency of the Security Council in July 2025, the council unanimously adopted Resolution 2788, a Pakistan-sponsored initiative focused on strengthening mechanisms under the UN Charter for the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Islamabad also continued to advocate changes to the structure of the Security Council.

Pakistan opposes creating additional permanent seats and instead supports expanding elected representation, arguing that this would make the council more democratic, accountable and representative.

Palestine remained another major focus of Pakistan’s diplomatic activity during Ahmad’s tenure, with Islamabad repeatedly raising the humanitarian situation in Gaza and calling for Palestinian self-determination and statehood.

Pakistan also remained diplomatically engaged during tensions between Iran and the United States, seeking to encourage dialogue and de-escalation.

Peacekeeping was another important area of activity.

Pakistan and Denmark led UN Security Council Resolution 2823 in June 2026, focusing on accountability for attacks against UN peacekeepers.

Kashmir also remained part of Islamabad’s diplomatic agenda at the United Nations, with Pakistan continuing to call for a peaceful resolution of the dispute.

Ahmad’s final major assignments in New York included Pakistan’s participation in the 81st UN General Assembly session and diplomatic engagements surrounding Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit.

He was designated Pakistan’s next foreign secretary on September 10.

Ahmad subsequently held farewell engagements at the United Nations, including a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on September 30.

Pakistan’s UN Mission also hosted a farewell ceremony for Ahmad and his family in New York.

He is expected to formally assume charge as Pakistan’s foreign secretary on October 15, succeeding Amna Baloch as the country enters another demanding period for regional and international diplomacy.