Asim Iftikhar Ahmad (born 27 November 1966) is a Pakistani diplomat who is the Foreign Secretary-designate of Pakistan. He is currently serving as the 22nd Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations in New York. Since assuming office in April 2025, he has represented Pakistan during its tenure on the United Nations Security Council, including serving as the Council's President in July 2025. Ahmad previously served as the Ambassador to France (2022–2024) and Thailand (2017–2021), and as the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Early life and education Ahmad was born in Lahore. He attended the University of the Punjab, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. He later earned a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore (UET) in 1991, where he also received a Gold Medal.
Career Ahmad joined the Foreign Service of Pakistan in 1993. His early international assignments included postings in Niamey, Niger (1997–2000) and various roles within the Ministry in Islamabad, focusing on United Nations and Security Council affairs.
Multilateral Diplomacy (2003–2014) Between 2003 and 2009, he served as the Political Coordinator of the Pakistan Mission to the UN in New York, acting as the focal point for the Security Council. He later served as the Deputy Chef de Cabinet to the President of the United Nations General Assembly (2009–2010). From 2012 to 2014, he returned to New York as a Minister at the Pakistan Mission, overseeing political affairs in the General Assembly.
Ambassadorial Roles (2017–2024) In 2017, Ahmad was appointed Ambassador of Pakistan to Thailand, where he also served as the Permanent Representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). He returned to Islamabad in 2021 to serve as the Additional Secretary (Asia Pacific) and concurrently as the Spokesperson for the Foreign Office.
In November 2022, he was posted as Ambassador to France, with concurrent accreditation to Monaco and as Pakistan's Permanent Delegate to UNESCO.
Permanent Representative to the UN (2025–present) On 1 April 2025, Ahmad presented his credentials to Secretary-General António Guterres, succeeding Munir Akram. In July 2025, he assumed the Presidency of the UN Security Council.
Foreign Secretary (2026-present) On 9 September 2026, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Ishaq Dar announced that Asim Iftikhar Ahmad will succeed Amna Baloch as the 34th Foreign Secretary of Pakistan.
Personal life Ahmad is married to Asma and has three daughters. He is an enthusiast of golf, tennis, and snooker.
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