ISLAMABAD:
Additional Secretary for Europe and former ambassador to Russia Shafqat Ali Khan was on Wednesday appointed spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs.
Shafqat, a senior diplomat, will replace Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, who has been appointed Pakistan’s ambassador to France.
The new spokesperson will formally take up his new role on Thursday, when the incumbent will address his final weekly briefing.
Shafqat, who has extensive diplomatic experience, is currently serving as Additional Secretary for Europe. He previously served as Pakistan’s ambassador to Russia and Poland.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Office has announced key appointments and transfers and officials have been assigned new roles and responsibilities.
According to a notification, Additional Secretary (Afghanistan and West Asia) Ahmed Naseem Warraich has been assigned the additional charge of Additional Secretary (admin/SP). This appointment takes immediate effect and will remain in force until further notice. Warraich will manage these additional tasks in addition to his current responsibilities.
In another notification, the ministry issued orders for immediate transfer and appointment of two officials. Hafiz Afaaq Ahmed has been appointed Director FSO and will take up the position upon his return from abroad. He replaces Abbas Sarwar Qureshi, who will continue to hold the position until he is relieved of his current duties.
Furthermore, Muhammad Saad Ahmed has been entrusted with the responsibilities of Deputy Director and a notification has been published in the official gazette for his appointment.
