In a significant move within the Foreign Office, the Government of Pakistan is set to undertake a large-scale reshuffle of its diplomatic representatives abroad, diplomatic sources revealed on Wednesday.
According to these sources, seasoned diplomat Ayesha Farooqi has been recommended for appointment as Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation, replacing Muhammad Khalid Jamali. Farooqi is currently serving as Ambassador to Ireland, and previously served as the Foreign Office Spokesperson from January 2019 to August 2020.
In line with the domino effect of diplomatic shifts, Additional Secretary (Americas) Maryam Aftab is being considered to take over Farooqi’s position in Ireland. If the recommendation is approved, she will step into the role as Islamabad’s envoy to Dublin.
Meanwhile, Altamesh Wazir Khan, currently Director General for the Middle East at the Foreign Office, has been proposed as Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan.
Irfan Shaukat, who has served at the Foreign Service Academy, is expected to be appointed High Commissioner to Australia. The position became vacant after Zahid Hafeez Chaudhry was posted as Ambassador to Indonesia.
The reshuffle continues with Ilyas Mahmood Nizami, DG South Asia, tipped to become the Ambassador to Romania. Similarly, Tariq Karim, who formerly served as Consul General in Chicago, is expected to be posted as Ambassador to Myanmar, replacing Muhammad Arshad Jan Pathan. Tariq was succeeded in Chicago by Zaman Mehdi.
Shah Faisal Kakar, currently Acting High Commissioner in Ottawa, has been proposed as Ambassador to Niger, replacing Dr. Ahmed Ali Sirohi, who has held the post since February 2020.
Further reassignments under consideration include Shahbaz Hussain Khokhar, DG Europe, being eyed for the role of Consul General in Montreal, and Mustafa Rabbani being appointed Consul General in Jeddah.
The proposed reshuffle is part of a broader strategy to inject fresh energy into Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach and enhance bilateral ties in key global regions. Formal approvals from the relevant authorities are awaited.
Reporter: Anwer Abbas