ISLAMABAD, May 6: A number of senior officials at the foreign affairs ministry will receive intimation of their international assignments in the coming weeks, it is learnt.

The Foreign Office is likely to have a new spokesperson by the next quarter as Tasnim Aslam is likely to proceed to a key European capital.

Chief of Protocol Nazir Hussain has been recommended for an international posting. Humaira Hasan, who heads the Middle East division, is being considered for an ambassadorial post in a European country.

A summary with nominations for the postings was forwarded by the ministry to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat about two weeks back, according to sources. If given the green light, the officials could leave within a couple of months.

Aizaz Ahmed, who is serving as director-general, OIC, will take over as director-general of the South Asia division when Jalil Abbas Jilani, High Commissioner-designate to Australia, relinquishes charge later this month.

Former ambassador to Morocco Attiya Mehmood will take over from Ms Aslam as the director-general of the UN division in the wake of a decision to separate the office of the spokesperson.

Sohail Mehmud, director-general Americas, could replace Ms Aslam as the spokesperson. However, the sources say there are a couple of other ‘probables’ who could be given the responsibility.

Ms Aslam is tipped as ambassador to a G8 state.