Pakistan is set to implement a significant diplomatic shakeup, involving the replacement of ambassadors in eight key capitals: Russia, Australia, Romania, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Niger, Kyrgyzstan, and Ireland. Additionally, two consul generals have been assigned to two significant consulates.
Aisha Farooqui, currently Pakistan’s ambassador to Ireland, will assume the role of ambassador to Russia in Moscow, succeeding Dr. Khalid Jamali. Maryam Aftab, who currently serves as the Additional Foreign Secretary for the Americas, will be posted to Ireland as ambassador.
Altamash Wazir Khan, the Director General for the Middle East at the Foreign Office, is designated for a posting in Kyrgyzstan. Irfan Shaukat will travel to Canberra to take over as High Commissioner for Australia, replacing Zahid Hafeez Chaudhary.
Ilyas Nizamani is slated to be posted as ambassador to Romania, succeeding Muhammad Arshad Jan Pathan. Tariq Kareem is being considered for the ambassadorial role in Myanmar, replacing Imran Haider. Haider has been designated as High Commissioner for Bangladesh, taking over from Syed Ahmad Maroof. Shah Faisal Kakkar will be appointed ambassador in Niamey, Niger, replacing Ahmad Ali Sarohiee.
In terms of consular assignments, Mustafa Rabbani is being posted as Consul General to Jeddah, while Shahbaz Hussain Khokhar will assume the role of Consul General to Montreal (Canada). Khokhar is currently serving as the Director General Europe at the Foreign Office.
The incumbent envoy to Russia, Ambassador Khalid Jamali, a senior Grade 22 officer of the Foreign Service, is likely to retire upon his return to headquarters. Sources indicate that Zahid Hafeez Chaudhary is being posted as Additional Foreign Secretary, and Syed Ahmad Maroof will be assigned an important responsibility within the Foreign Office upon his return to headquarters.
