ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s designated High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Chaudhary Tipu Usman, currently serving as Chief of Protocol in Islamabad, is expected to assume his new assignment in London in July.
Highly placed diplomatic sources said that the British government has granted agrément (formal consent) for his appointment. However, his formal transfer orders have yet to be issued.
The outgoing High Commissioner, Muhammad Faisal Chaudhary, who has completed his tenure in London, relinquished charge earlier this week and is returning to Islamabad. He previously served as Pakistan’s ambassador to Germany and also held the position of spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Sources indicate that he is likely to be assigned an important position upon his return. In the interim, Haseeb Aziz has assumed charge as acting High Commissioner in London.
Meanwhile, Director General (Europe) at the Foreign Office, Irfan Ahmad, has arrived in Tashkent to take up his new assignment as Pakistan’s ambassador to Uzbekistan, replacing Ahmad Farooq, who has returned to Islamabad.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Bilal Ahmad, has been transferred as High Commissioner to Kenya, where he will replace Ibrar Ahmad Khan, who is returning to Islamabad.
In a related development, Tahir Hussain Andrabi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is being posted to Geneva as Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
Another senior diplomat, Muhammad Faisal Abro, who previously served as Director General (Africa) at the Foreign Office, has been appointed Consul General in Montreal. In his new role, he will also serve as Alternate Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). He replaces Ishtiaq Aqil, who has returned to Islamabad and has been appointed Director (China Desk).
Additionally, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ahmad Farooq, has been granted a one-year extension in Riyadh after completing his tenure.
Similarly, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Yousaf Junaid, who is serving on a contract basis, has also been granted an extension until October this year. He belongs to the Commerce and Trade Group and has served as envoy in Ankara for five years, in addition to eight years as Consul General in Istanbul. Sources suggest he is seeking a further extension in his current posting.
