ISLAMABAD: Ambas­sador Shafqat Ali Khan has been appointed as new spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He will replace Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, who will soon take charge as Pakis­tan’s ambassador to France.

Shafqat Khan, 55, currently serving as additional foreign secretary for Europe, is a diplomat with over 30 years of experience in the Foreign Service of Pakistan.

Since joining the service in 1993, he has held a range of prominent positions, including ambassadorial roles in Russia (2020-23) and Poland (2017-2020), director general for Europe at the Foreign Office (2016-17), deputy permanent representative to Pakistan’s Mission at the United Nations in Geneva (2010-13), and diplomatic advi­ser to the National Asse­mbly speaker (2014-15).

Mr Khan has also served as counsellor for political and strategic affairs at Pa­­k­­istan’s Embassy in Beij­ing and on various desks at the headquarters, including India directorate. His academic background inclu­d­­es King’s College, London; Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad; and Uppsala University, Sweden.

Published in Dawn, January 2nd, 2025

Opinion

First line of defence

First line of defence

Pakistan’s foreign service has long needed reform to be able to adapt to global changes and leverage opportunities in a more multipolar world.

Editorial

Eid amidst crises
Updated 31 Mar, 2025

Eid amidst crises

Until the Muslim world takes practical steps to end these atrocities, these besieged populations will see no joy.
Women’s rights
Updated 01 Apr, 2025

Women’s rights

Such judgements, and others directly impacting women’s rights should be given more airtime in media.
Not helping
Updated 02 Apr, 2025

Not helping

If it's committed to peace in Balochistan, the state must draw a line between militancy and legitimate protest.
Hard habits
Updated 30 Mar, 2025

Hard habits

Their job is to ensure that social pressures do not build to the point where problems like militancy and terrorism become a national headache.
Dreams of gold
30 Mar, 2025

Dreams of gold

PROSPECTS of the Reko Diq project taking off soon seem to have brightened lately following the completion of the...
No invitation
30 Mar, 2025

No invitation

FOR all of Pakistan’s hockey struggles, including their failure to qualify for the Olympics and World Cup as well...