Key Takeaways
- Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad is returning to Pakistan after serving as the country’s UN representative.
- He will take up the role of foreign secretary, ending his two-year UN assignment.
- During his tenure, he played a key role in the UNSC, focusing on peace and security issues.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad is set to return to Pakistan after serving as the country’s permanent representative to the United Nations (UN) for two years. He will now take up the mantle of foreign secretary, marking the end of his third consecutive term at the UN.
Ahmad arrived in New York in October 2024 for his third assignment at the UN, as Pakistan prepared to begin a two-year elected term on the UN Security Council (UNSC).
His tenure at the UN was marked by significant crises, including the brief military confrontation between India and Pakistan in May 2025, the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and the growing tensions between Israel and Iran.
During his time at the UN, Ahmad emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to international peace and security, focusing on conflict prevention, peaceful settlement of disputes, and cooperation with regional organizations.
Ahmad highlighted Pakistan’s role in initiating and steering a UNSC resolution after the May 2025 conflict with India, which led to the adoption of UNSC Resolution 2788. This resolution called for greater use of the mechanisms provided by the UN Charter for the peaceful settlement of disputes.
He described the resolution as a landmark decision, noting that it had been the most widely referred UNSC decision since its adoption, underscoring its importance and relevance to the council’s work.
Despite the geopolitical tensions, Ahmad said Pakistan had been able to forge consensus around the resolution, arguing for reform of the UNSC. He suggested that adding new individual permanent members would only exacerbate the problem, advocating instead for a more democratic, representative, and accountable council.
Ahmad’s tenure at the UN was characterized by his efforts to maintain peace and stability, particularly during the tense period of the May 2025 conflict. His departure marks the end of a significant chapter in Pakistan’s diplomatic history at the UN.
As he prepares to take up his new role, Ahmad’s experience and expertise will be crucial in shaping Pakistan’s foreign policy and international relations.
It is such a great and singular honour to have the opportunity to represent Pakistan at the UN, including at the Security Council.
Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Ambassador to the United Nations
