FO gets new spokesperson

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

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