Four decades. Four continents. One vocation.
A chronological view of postings, promotions, and policy roles — from a young Foreign Service Officer in Doha to Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary and Ambassador to the United States.
- 1980
Joined the Foreign Service of Pakistan
Began a 37-year career in Pakistan’s diplomatic corps.
- 1984 – 1987
Third / Second Secretary, Embassy of Pakistan, Doha
Early posting in the Gulf, working on bilateral and consular affairs.
- 1999 – 2000
Political Counsellor, Embassy of Pakistan, Washington, D.C.
Handled the political portfolio at one of Pakistan’s most consequential bilateral missions.
- Early 2000s
Multiple UN assignments, including Deputy Permanent Representative, New York
Represented Pakistan at the United Nations for more than six years across multiple roles.
- 2009 – 2012
Ambassador of Pakistan to the Netherlands
First ambassadorial posting; deepened ties with The Hague and the international institutions based there.
- 2012 – 2013
Director General (South Asia) and Additional Foreign Secretary (UN & Disarmament)
Senior Foreign Office assignments shaping Pakistan’s regional and multilateral policy.
- Mar 2013 – Dec 2013
Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Voice of the Ministry through a period of intense regional developments.
- Dec 2013 – Feb 2017
28th Foreign Secretary of Pakistan
Promoted to Grade 22 and appointed Foreign Secretary, leading Pakistan’s foreign policy machinery for over three years.
- Mar 2017 – May 2018
Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States
Capstone bilateral posting, navigating one of Pakistan’s most complex relationships.
- Jun 2018 – Dec 2021
Director General, Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)
Led one of Pakistan’s premier foreign policy think tanks after retirement from active diplomacy.
- 2022 – present
Author, columnist, and commentator
Continues to write, teach, and speak on diplomacy, regional security, and Pakistan’s place in the evolving world order.