The full Asim Iftikhar Ahmad biography — education, family, postings and the milestones of a 30-year diplomatic career that reached the top of the Foreign Service.
Quick answer: Asim Iftikhar Ahmad (born 27 November 1966, Lahore) is Pakistan’s 34th Foreign Secretary (from 15 Oct 2026). Double gold-medal graduate (Punjab University 1988, UET Lahore 1991); joined the Foreign Service in 1993; served as UN Permanent Representative, Ambassador to France and Thailand, and FO spokesperson.
In this guide
Early life and education
Born in Lahore on 27 November 1966, Ahmad graduated with a BA from the University of the Punjab (1988) and a B.Sc. Electrical Engineering from UET Lahore (1991) — earning a gold medal at both. He joined the Foreign Service of Pakistan in 1993; his first foreign posting was Niamey, Niger (1997–2000).
Career path
Two long New York postings shaped him: Political Coordinator at the UN Mission (2003–2009) and Minister (2012–2014), covering Security Council terms. Between them he served as Deputy Chef de Cabinet to the UN General Assembly President (2009–2010). Ambassadorial postings followed — Thailand (2017–2021), France & Monaco (2022–2024) — with a turn as Foreign Office spokesperson (2021–2022). He was Permanent Representative to the UN from 1 April 2025 (UNSC President, July 2025) until his Foreign Secretary appointment on 9 September 2026.
Family and interests
He is married to Asma and has three daughters. His interests include golf, tennis and snooker.
Frequently asked questions
When was Asim Iftikhar Ahmad born?
27 November 1966, in Lahore.
What did Asim Iftikhar Ahmad study?
Electrical engineering at UET Lahore (1991) — gold medal — after a BA from Punjab University (1988), also a gold medal.
When did he join the Foreign Service?
1993 — a career of 30+ years.
