Pakistan weighs candidates for new foreign secretary

Summary ISLAMABAD: The process to appoint Pakistan's next foreign secretary has entered a crucial phase, with the government considering senior diplomats for the key position. The foreign secretary plays a key role in shaping and implementing Pakistan's foreign policy and coordinating diplomatic affairs with missions abroad. The appointment comes at an important time for Pakistan's foreign policy, as the country continues to manage relations with regional and major global powers. AI Generated Summary ISLAMABAD: The process to appoint Pakistan's next foreign secretary has entered a crucial phase, with the government considering senior diplomats for the key position. Current Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch is scheduled to retire on September 18 after reaching the age of 60. Sources said the possibility of extending her tenure is considered unlikely. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to make a decision before her retirement and choose one of the senior-most Grade-22 diplomats serving in the Foreign Ministry. Several experienced diplomats are currently being considered for the post. The names under discussion include Rahim Hayat Qureshi, Asim Iftikhar, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh and Faisal Niaz Tirmizi. The foreign secretary plays a key role in shaping and implementing Pakistan's foreign policy and coordinating diplomatic affairs with missions abroad. The appointment comes at an important time for Pakistan's foreign policy, as the country continues to manage relations with regional and major global powers. The final selection is expected to be made by the prime minister after consultations with relevant authorities.