Abu Dhabi (TDI): Shafqat Ali Khan, Pakistan’s newly appointed ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, formally presented his diplomatic credentials to the president of UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, at a ceremony in the grand halls of Qasr Al Watan, on Tuesday.
Several senior officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Adviser to the President Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan also attended the ceremony.
The President welcomed the new ambassador and reiterated the UAE’s steadfast dedication to strengthening cooperation, encouraging growth and prosperity, promoting peace and stability, and fostering dialogue and mutual understanding among nations and cultures.
Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan, for his part, delivered a message of brotherhood, goodwill, and respect from Pakistan’s leadership. He conveyed best wishes for the UAE’s continued progress and prosperity.
In response, President bin Zayed expressed confidence that the ambassador’s tenure would bring new energy to UAE–Pakistan relations.
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The presentation of credentials, a significant diplomatic milestone, officially marks the beginning of Khan’s tenure in the UAE. His arrival comes at a time when both countries are looking to deepen collaboration across economic, social, and cultural sectors.
Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan brings extensive diplomatic experience to his new role. He began his diplomatic career in 1993, and served as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia from March 2020 to September 2023. Earlier, from July 2017 to March 2020, he was Pakistan’s Ambassador to Poland, with concurrent accreditation to Estonia and Latvia.
He has also represented Pakistan at several key diplomatic missions abroad, including the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations in New York (1998–2001), the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing (2007–2010), and the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations in Geneva (2010–2013).
At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Khan served in important positions, such as Spokesperson of the Foreign Office, Additional Foreign Secretary (Strategic Communications Division and Public Diplomacy), Additional Secretary (Europe), Director General (Europe), Diplomatic Advisor to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Director (Human Rights), Deputy Director (Foreign Secretary’s Office), Deputy Director (India), and Acting Director (Disarmament).
Minahil Khurshid holds a Master's in Peace and Conflict Studies from NUST. She is passionate about current affairs, public policy, and geopolitics.
