Amna Baloch assumes charge as 33rd Foreign Secretary

ISLAMABAD: Ambassador Amna Baloch on Wednesday assumed the charge as the 33rd Foreign Secretary of Pakistan after her predecessor Ambassador Syrus Sajjad Qazi relinquished the office on attaining superannuation.

A veteran diplomat, Ambassador Baloch has held several important assignments both in Islamabad and Pakistan’s diplomatic missions abroad.

She served as Pakistan’s Consul General to Chengdu, China (2014-2017); High Commissioner to Malaysia (2019-2023); and Ambassador to the European Union, Belgium and Luxembourg (2023-2024).

Holding a degree of Masters in History, Amna Baloch joined the Foreign Services of Pakistan in 1991.

On the other hand, Foreign Secretary Ambassador Syrus Sajjad Qazi concluded his illustrious career upon reaching the age of superannuation, ending a distinguished 34-year tenure during which he served the country in multiple capacities.

Speaking at the farewell reception held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Syrus expressed his gratitude to all the ambassadors and superiors he worked with, acknowledging the unique impact each of them had on shaping his personality.

He recognized the contributions of his staff members throughout his career by naming each one and expressing his gratitude for their support.

He expressed gratitude to the team at the Foreign Secretary’s Office for their support and assistance. He also extended thanks to all the foreign ministers with whom he collaborated and acknowledged the deputy prime minister/foreign minister for his leadership.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar paid tribute to an exceptional public servant and distinguished officer of Pakistan’s Foreign Service. He highlighted Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi’s 34 years of exemplary service to the country.

Dar acknowledged Syrus’s numerous contributions, noting his pivotal role in shaping Pakistan’s foreign policy and managing global diplomacy with steadfast commitment and integrity over more than three decades.

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As Foreign Secretary and previously as Ambassador to Turkiye and Hungary, Syrus significantly advanced Pakistan’s foreign relations and global partnerships, playing a crucial role in shaping diplomatic efforts worldwide.