Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad concluded a consequential two-year tenure as Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations in New York, preparing to return to Islamabad as foreign secretary following a period marked by major international crises, security council resolutions, and regional diplomacy.
He arrived in New York in October 2024 for his third assignment at the world body as Pakistan prepared to begin a two-year elected term on the UN Security Council. The diplomatic posting marked his third consecutive term as part of Pakistan’s Security Council teams, following assignments in 2003-04 and 2012-13.
Pakistan Shares Expertise on Peace and Security
Pakistan brought significant expertise and institutional experience to its Security Council priorities, with focuses on international peace and security, conflict prevention, peaceful settlement of disputes, peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and cooperation with regional organisations.
Ahmad kept Security Council members and other UN delegations informed of Pakistan’s position and the dangers of further escalation before both nations agreed to a ceasefire on May 10.
For Ahmad, the confrontation was particularly significant because Pakistan itself was serving on the council. In assessing Pakistan’s subsequent emphasis on peaceful settlement, he pointed to the May 2025 conflict, stating that Pakistan had initiated and steered a Security Council resolution after having inflicted a crushing defeat to the Indian aggression in May 2025.
Pakistan Leads Resolutions on Peacekeeper Safety and Technology
Pakistan also used its Security Council membership to focus heavily on the safety of UN peacekeepers. Together with Denmark, the mission led Resolution 2823 in June 2026 on accountability for attacks against UN peacekeepers.
Beyond major conflicts, Pakistan maintained an active profile across the wider UN agenda, including development, climate change, and emerging technologies. Ahmad cited Pakistan’s leadership in discussions on artificial intelligence, digital assets, and tokenisation for development, alongside steering the first General Assembly resolution on access to assistive technologies. His final major assignment was managing the 81st General Assembly in September, during which Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation visited New York. Ahmad recently paid a farewell call on President of the UN General Assembly Dr. Khalilur Rahman, assuring continued constructive engagement with the organisation’s work.
Farewell Ceremonies and Return to Islamabad
On October 3, the Pakistan Mission hosted an intimate farewell ceremony attended by mission officers, Consulate General officials, and their families. Speaking on behalf of the officers, Deputy Permanent Representative Usman Jadoon paid tribute to Ahmad for his meritorious service and his mentorship of the team during challenging times. Consul General Aamer Ahmad Atozai also commended Ahmad for his leadership and extended best wishes for his upcoming duties in Islamabad. Two video packages were screened during the event, featuring a pictorial recap of Ahmad’s journey and testimonials from mission staff highlighting his contributions over the past 21 months.
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