ISLAMABAD, Aug 18: For the first time in the history of the Foreign Office a woman career diplomat has made it to the top echelon, having been appointed additional secretary.

Fauzia Nasreen who was formerly Pakistan’s ambassador to Poland took over as additional secretary earlier this week. She now heads the Europe division at the foreign ministry.

Ms Nasreen earned the distinction of being the first woman career diplomat to be promoted to grade 22 last year. She is currently the only woman diplomat among the eight additional secretaries at the Foreign Office.

She joined the foreign service in 1973. Her first posting abroad was in Tehran. She also served as Pakistan’s ambassador to Nepal and has held key positions at the diplomatic missions in Manila, Rome, and Kuala Lumpur.