Munir Akram, a seasoned diplomat, will be Pakistan’s next Permanent Representative to the United Nations, replacing Dr. Maleeha Lodhi at the end of her assignment to the highest diplomatic forum.
Dr. Lodhi, who spearheaded Pakistan’s diplomacy at UN for more than four years – since her appointment in February 2015 – concludes her stint on a high note with Prime Minister Imran Khan’s successful visit to the UN headquarters.
Munir Akram, a career diplomat, previously served as Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN for six years between 2002 and 2008.
Both the diplomats have led Pakistan at the UN during challenges phases for Pakistan’s international relations, and are highly regarded for their skills and outreach.
It has been an honour to serve the country & am grateful for the opportunity to do so for over four years. Representing Pakistan at the world’s most important multilateral forum was a great privilege. I had planned to move on after UNGA following a successful visit by the PM -1
— Maleeha Lodhi (@LodhiMaleeha) September 30, 2019
Akram can be described as an insider at the UN, where he led international efforts to reform the United Nations with a well-known premise that creation of more privileged seats at the UNSC will not serve the world, and that a broader representation is called for
The veteran diplomat assumes charge of the assignment at a sensitive time for Pakistani diplomacy with the Jammu and Kashmir disputed posing a massive challenge to international peace and security.
While revealing the top diplomatic reshuffle, the Foreign Ministry also announced other appointments.
Muhammad Aejaz, Additional Secretary (AIT) at MoFA has been appointed as Ambassador of Pakistan to Hungary, Syed Sajjad Haider, presently serving as Charge d’ Affaires (ap) of Pakistan to Pyongyang has been posted as Ambassador of Pakistan to Kuwait; Khalil Ahmad Hashmi, presently serving as Director General (UN) at MoFA has been appointed as Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN in Geneva.
Imran Ahmad Siddiqui, presently serving as Consul General of Pakistan Toronto has been posted as High Commissioner of Pakistan forBangladesh; Ahsan KK Wagan, presently serving as Charge d’ Affaires (ap) in Niger has been appointed as Ambassador of Pakistan to Oman.
Major General ® Muhammad Saad Khattak has been appointed as the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka while Abdul Hamid has been appointed as Pakistan’s Consul General in Toronto.
Abrar Hussain Hashmi has been appointed as Pakistan’s Consul General in Houston, according to the Foreign Office statement.
