Islamabad, 11 September 2024 (TDI): Ambassador Syrus Sajjad Qazi retired upon achieving superannuation, and Amna Baloch assumed responsibility as Pakistan’s 33rd Foreign Secretary on Wednesday.
In recognition of his expertise and services as the 32nd Foreign Secretary, Ambassador Syrus was given a formal goodbye dinner at the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday night.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar praised the departing Foreign Secretary for his skillful, precise, and strategic management of complex international diplomacy.
In his leaving speech, he conveyed his sincere gratitude to mentors, colleagues, and the committed teams he worked with—all of whom had helped to support his career.
In particular, he expressed his gratitude to the Foreign Secretary’s Office personnel, diplomats, and staff for their continuous support and praised the invaluable advice he received from the Foreign Ministers he worked under.
Ambassador Amna comes into the role with a depth of expertise and takes on the role during a time of significant challenges.
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She has had important roles in Pakistan’s overseas diplomatic missions.
Her previous positions were as High Commissioner to Malaysia (2019–2023), Ambassador to the European Union, Belgium, and Luxembourg (2023–2024), and Consul General in Chengdu, China (2014–2017).
Since Amna is the first female Foreign Secretary from Sindh in a long time and just the second overall, her appointment is historic.
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Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry was replaced as Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary by Tehmina Janjua, who was nominated by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in February 2017.
Tehmina became the first female employee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to hold the most senior role following her promotion.
Additionally, Ambassador Amna is renowned for her efforts to strengthen educational relations between Pakistan and Europe and to advance science diplomacy.
She entered the Foreign Service in 1991 and has since held a number of positions, including Additional Secretary in the Foreign Ministry and Joint Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office, having earned a Master’s degree in history.
Her term, which runs until September 2026, is anticipated to bring stability to the position.
