Ali Asad Gilani appointed Pakistan's new ambassador to China

ISLAMABAD – Ali Asad Gilani has been appointed as Pakistan's next ambassador to China, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Friday. In a post shared on social media, Dar said Gilani would succeed Khalil Hashmi as Pakistan's ambassador to China. Dar noted that Gilani has served in important positions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and expressed confidence that he would further strengthen Pakistan-China relations. 'I am confident that he will further advance the Pakistan-China all-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership,' Dar said. Following successful completion of his tenure as Pakistan's Ambassador to China, Mr. Khalil Hashmi will be joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs next week. He has made important contribution to further advancing the close and enduring Pakistan-China friendship. I am pleased to… — Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) September 11, 2026 The foreign minister added that Gilani would also build on the work carried out by previous Pakistani ambassadors in Beijing. Dar's announcement comes as Hashmi completes his tenure as Pakistan's ambassador to China. According to the deputy prime minister, Hashmi will return to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs next week after completing his assignment. Dar praised Hashmi for his contribution to strengthening the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and China, saying he had made an 'important contribution to further advancing the close and enduring Pakistan-China friendship.' The foreign minister extended his best wishes to both diplomats for their respective assignments.