Amna Baloch has made history as Pakistan’s 33rd Foreign Secretary, following in the footsteps of her esteemed predecessors, including the country’s first female Foreign Secretary, Tehmina Janjua, who held the position from 2017 to 2019. Baloch’s appointment is not only a testament to her impressive diplomatic career but also a recognition of her exceptional leadership, deep understanding of foreign affairs, and steadfast commitment to serving her country on the global stage.
Baloch takes over from Ambassador Syrus Sajjad Qazi, who is retiring after a distinguished 34-year career in the Foreign Service. As Baloch steps into this prestigious role, she brings with her a wealth of experience accumulated over decades of service in key diplomatic positions around the world. Her journey in the Foreign Service, which began in 1991, has been marked by excellence, dedication, and a nuanced approach to diplomacy.
With a master’s degree in history, Amna Baloch’s academic background has played a significant role in shaping her perspective on international relations and foreign policy. Her ability to understand historical contexts and the ever-evolving geopolitical landscape has given her a distinct advantage in her diplomatic career. She has served in several critical roles, demonstrating both her versatility and her expertise in fostering bilateral and multilateral relationships.
One of her early significant postings was as Pakistan’s Consul General in Chengdu, China, from 2014 to 2017. During her tenure, she was instrumental in strengthening Pakistan’s ties with China, a key ally and strategic partner. Her time in Chengdu allowed her to navigate the complexities of Pakistan-China relations, which have remained crucial for both countries, particularly with the development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Her understanding of China’s political and economic systems made her a pivotal figure in furthering these strategic relations.
Following her time in China, Baloch was appointed Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Malaysia from 2019 to 2023. In this role, she worked diligently to enhance economic and diplomatic ties between the two countries, fostering stronger trade relations and greater cooperation on various fronts. Under her leadership, Pakistan’s presence in Malaysia was marked by a series of successful initiatives aimed at boosting economic diplomacy, an area where Baloch has consistently excelled. Her work in Malaysia was widely recognized as she contributed to raising Pakistan’s profile in Southeast Asia.
In 2023, Amna Baloch was appointed Ambassador to the European Union, Belgium, and Luxembourg. During her time in Europe, Baloch played a key role in strengthening Pakistan’s ties with the European Union, particularly in areas such as trade, investment, and international cooperation. Her time in Brussels helped bolster Pakistan’s standing within the EU, a relationship that has significant economic and political implications for Pakistan’s global engagement.
Beyond her ambassadorial roles, Baloch has held several important positions within Pakistan’s domestic governance structure. She served as Minister Counsellor at the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and held high-ranking positions as Joint Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office and Additional Secretary at the Foreign Minister’s office. These roles gave her invaluable experience in managing both domestic and international policy-making, allowing her to develop a comprehensive understanding of Pakistan’s foreign and internal policy challenges.
As the new Foreign Secretary, Baloch’s wealth of experience, from China to the European Union, positions her as a dynamic and capable leader who will undoubtedly shape Pakistan’s foreign policy in the years to come. Her deep understanding of global affairs, coupled with her experience in economic diplomacy, makes her the ideal candidate to navigate Pakistan through the complex challenges it faces internationally. With Baloch at the helm, Pakistan’s diplomatic corps is set to benefit from her strong leadership, vision, and strategic insight.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance
