Pakistan likely to appoint new envoy to Riyadh

ISLAMABAD: The government has reassigned several ambassadors to new roles in various capitals, aligning with strategic priorities to strengthen international relations.

Diplomatic sources told The News the government has appointed a new ambassador to Saudi Arabia, where prominent career diplomat Ahmad Farooq has completed his tenure in Riyadh.

Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States, Dr Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, a career diplomat, will continue as the country’s envoy in Washington, the sources confirmed.

Interestingly, the UAE has also appointed a new ambassador to Pakistan. One of its most senior diplomats, Salem Muhammad Al-Zaabi, has been named the new envoy. He will travel to Islamabad in the last week of October, shortly after a call on UAE President. The UAE’s ambassador-designate, Salem Muhammad Al-Zaabi, is a former Major General in the UAE armed forces.

In another development, the UAE conferred the First-Class Order of Zayed II on Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi on October 16, in recognition of his distinguished diplomatic service in strengthening relations between the two countries. The decoration was presented to Ambassador Tirmizi by Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Pakistan’s ambassador-designate to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Shafqat Ali Khan, will arrive in Abu Dhabi on October 30 to assume his assignment. Interestingly at the same time, UAE will post its new ambassador to Islamabad.

Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan, currently Special Foreign Secretary and spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, will replace Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, who will return to Islamabad in the same week before his successor’s arrival. Tirmizi has been appointed ambassador to Russia and will depart for Moscow next month after a briefing at headquarters.