Islamabad (TDI): Former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, Najmuddin A. Sheikh, passed away in Karachi.
On Friday morning, his family announced his demise, stating, “It is with the most profound sorrow that we announce former Foreign Secretary and Ambassador Najmuddin A Shaikh passed away peacefully in his home early Friday morning in Karachi.”
His funeral prayer was held at 5:15 PM at Phase VIII Graveyard DHA, Karachi, on Friday.
Shaikh, Pakistan’s foreign secretary from 1994 to 1997, was a well-regarded diplomat.
Originally from Sindh, he joined the foreign service in 1961 after graduating from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in 1962.
During his 38-year diplomatic career, he served as ambassador to Canada (1987-1989), West Germany (1989-1990), the United States (1990-1991), and Iran (1992-1994).
He was succeeded as Foreign Secretary by Shamshad Ahmad.
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also announced his demise, saying “It is with profound sorrow that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces the passing of Mr. Najmuddin A. Sheikh, a distinguished diplomat and former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan (1994–1997). He returned to his Creator this morning in Karachi, at the age of 85.”
Sheikh also served as Pakistan’s special envoy to Yemen, Sudan, Kenya, and Bahrain in 2005.
Moreover, he served on the board of the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad and as a founding member and senior vice president of the Sindh Council of Foreign Relations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Former Foreign Secretary Najmuddin A. Sheikh was renowned for his diplomatic acumen.
He was a steadfast advocate for international cooperation, regional stability, and human rights.
Moreover, his contributions earned him widespread respect at home and abroad, with colleagues and counterparts alike admiring his integrity, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to Pakistan.
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Sheikh is survived by his wife Raana Shaikh who served as Managing Director of Pakistan Television and Secretary of the Ministry of Culture.
He also leaves behind two children: Nadir Shaikh, a partner and financial adviser at Qatalyst Partners LLP, and Nermeen Shaikh, who is a TV news producer and weekly Democracy Now! co-host.
He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Sobia Shaikh, and his two grandkids, Isaad, and Lyali Shaikh.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended its deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those who had the opportunity of knowing and working alongside him.
“His legacy of service and statesmanship will endure as an inspiration for future generations,” the Ministry added.
Javaria Khalid is a Web Contributor at The Diplomatic Insight Magazine. She specializes in covering geopolitical developments, international relations, diplomatic, and socio-economic developments in Europe and Pakistan.
