Asim Iftikhar Ahmad
Asim Iftikhar Ahmad | |
|---|---|
عاصم افتخار احمد | |
| 22nd Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations | |
| Assumed office 1 April 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Munir Akram |
| Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs | |
| In office September 2021 – August 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri |
| Succeeded by | Mumtaz Zahra Baloch |
| Ambassador of Pakistan to France | |
| In office November 2022 – December 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Moin ul Haque |
| Succeeded by | Mumtaz Zahra Baloch |
| Ambassador of Pakistan to Thailand | |
| In office 2017–2021 | |
| Preceded by | Sohail Khan |
| Succeeded by | Sahebzada A. Khan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 27 November 1966 |
| Alma mater | UET Lahore University of the Punjab |
| Occupation | Diplomat |
Asim Iftikhar Ahmad (born 27 November 1966) is a senior Pakistani diplomat currently serving as the 22nd Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations in New York. Since assuming office in April 2025, he has represented Pakistan during its tenure on the United Nations Security Council, including serving as the Council's President in July 2025.[1]
A career member of the Foreign Service of Pakistan since 1993, Ahmad previously served as the Ambassador to France (2022–2024) and Thailand (2017–2021), and as the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.[2]
Early life and education
Ahmad was born in Lahore. He attended the University of the Punjab, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and was awarded a Gold Medal for academic excellence in 1988. He later earned a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore (UET) in 1991, where he also received a Gold Medal.[1]
Career
Ahmad joined the Foreign Service of Pakistan in 1993. His early international assignments included postings in Niamey, Niger (1997–2000) and various roles within the Ministry in Islamabad, focusing on United Nations and Security Council affairs.[1]
Multilateral diplomacy (2003–2014)
Between 2003 and 2009, he served as the Political Coordinator of the Pakistan Mission to the UN in New York, acting as the focal point for the Security Council. He later served as the Deputy Chef de Cabinet to the President of the United Nations General Assembly (2009–2010). From 2012 to 2014, he returned to New York as a Minister at the Pakistan Mission, overseeing political affairs in the General Assembly.[1]
Ambassadorial roles (2017–2024)
In 2017, Ahmad was appointed Ambassador of Pakistan to Thailand, where he also served as the Permanent Representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). He returned to Islamabad in 2021 to serve as the Additional Secretary (Asia Pacific) and concurrently as the Spokesperson for the Foreign Office.[3]
In November 2022, he was posted as Ambassador to France, with concurrent accreditation to Monaco and as Pakistan's Permanent Delegate to UNESCO.[4]
Permanent Representative to the UN (2025–present)
On 1 April 2025, Ahmad presented his credentials to Secretary-General António Guterres, succeeding Munir Akram.[2] In July 2025, he assumed the Presidency of the UN Security Council. During his tenure, he has been a prominent advocate for regional stability in South Asia and the Middle East. In March 2026, he addressed the Security Council regarding the situation in Afghanistan, emphasizing Pakistan's right to defend its sovereignty against cross-border terrorism.[5]
Personal life
Ahmad is married to Asma and has three daughters. He is an enthusiast of golf, tennis, and snooker.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e "Ambassador - Asim Iftikhar Ahmad". pakun.org. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ^ a b "Asim Iftikhar Ahmad assumes role as Pakistan's UN envoy". The Nation. 3 April 2025. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ^ "Asim Iftikhar appointed as new FO spokesperson". Dawn. 20 August 2021. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ^ "Ambassador Asim presents credentials to UN Secretary-General". Daily Times. 4 April 2025. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ^ "Statement by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad at the UNSC on the Situation in Afghanistan". pakun.org. 10 March 2026. Retrieved 13 March 2026.