ISLAMABAD, (TDI): Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, currently serving as the Foreign Office spokesperson, has been appointed as Pakistan’s new ambassador to France.
The announcement was made by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who confirmed that Baloch will soon assume her new responsibilities.
This appointment follows the designation of senior diplomat Shafqat Ali Khan as the new Foreign Office spokesperson, succeeding Baloch.
Shafqat Ali Khan, a seasoned diplomat, is presently serving as the Additional Secretary for Europe at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Baloch was appointed as the Foreign Office spokesperson in November 2022, replacing Asim Iftikhar Ahmed, who at the time was named Pakistan’s ambassador to France.
With Asim Iftikhar now serving as the Additional Permanent Representative at the United Nations, Baloch will once again succeed him in Paris.
Shafqat Ali Khan brings extensive experience to his new role as FO spokesperson. He has previously served as Pakistan’s ambassador to Russia and Poland, Director General for Europe at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva.
Also Read: Shafqat Khan Appointed New Foreign Office Spokesperson
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch also has an impressive diplomatic career. Before her role as FO spokesperson, she was Pakistan’s ambassador to South Korea (2020–2021) and Minister/Deputy Head of Mission at the Pakistani Embassy in China (2015–2020). Her other assignments include:
- Counselor for Political Affairs at Pakistan’s Embassy in Washington, DC (2006–2011)
- Second Secretary at Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva (1999–2002)
- Various leadership roles at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Additional Foreign Secretary (Asia & Pacific), and Director for America, Security Council and Human Rights, and Strategic Planning.
During 2014–2015, she served as Director (Academic Programme) and Acting Director General at the Foreign Service Academy in Islamabad.
Also Read: RAW Behind Assassinations in Pakistan: Report
Baloch holds a Master’s degree in Physics from Punjab University, Lahore, a Master’s in International Relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in the United States, and a degree in European Studies and Public Administration from the École Nationale d’Administration in France.
