ISLAMABAD: Only a few days after Prime Minister Imran Khan addressed the 74th session of United Nations General Assembly, Pakistan’s foreign office announced the appointment of Ambassador Munir Akram as the country’s permanent representative to UN on Monday.
A veteran diplomat, Akram will replace Dr. Maleeha Lodhi who became Pakistan’s ambassador to the world’s most prestigious intergovernmental forum in February 2015. The coveted diplomatic post was also held by Akram for six years under the Pervez Musharraf regime.
It is not clear what prompted Prime Minister Imran Khan to make the change within a few days after wrapping up his trip to the United States where he met a number of world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, and highlighted the Kashmir issue.
However, Pakistan’s foreign ministry also announced several other appointments on Monday.
Lodhi, who was originally chosen to represent her country at the UN by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) administration, wrote in a twitter post: “It has been an honor to serve the country & am grateful for the opportunity to do so for over four years. Representing Pakistan at the world’s most important multilateral forum was a great privilege.”
She added that she “had planned to move on after UNGA following a successful visit by the PM.”
“I am humbled by the appreciation I have received for the PM’s visit and the support I have also received over the years,” she continued. “I wish my successor Munir Akram the best of luck.”
Pakistan appoints new ambassador to United Nations
Pakistan appoints new ambassador to United Nations
- Replaces Dr. Maleeha Lodhi with Ambassador Munir Akram
- Lodhi says she ‘had planned to move on after UNGA following a successful visit by the PM’
Pakistan expresses solidarity with Kuwait, urges dialogue as Iran war spreads
- Ishaq Dar speaks with Kuwait’s foreign minister after Iranian attacks target the Gulf state
- They discuss matters before Security Council where Pakistan is a non-permanent member
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan expressed solidarity with Kuwait and called for dialogue and de-escalation in the Middle East after attacks linked to the ongoing Iran war struck the Gulf state, the foreign office said on Wednesday.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar conveyed the message during a phone call with Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, as Kuwait grapples with missile and drone attacks linked to the widening regional conflict.
Iranian strikes targeting US military facilities in the Gulf have spilled into several states including Kuwait, raising security concerns across the region and prompting governments to step up air defenses.
“Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke late last night with H.E. Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Foreign Minister of the State of Kuwait,” Pakistan’s foreign office said in a statement posted on social media.
“They expressed deep concern over regional developments, including attacks on Kuwait. DPM/FM conveyed Pakistan’s solidarity with the leadership and people of Kuwait and emphasized the urgent need for dialogue and de-escalation to promote peace and stability in the region.”
The two officials also exchanged views on issues under discussion at the United Nations Security Council, where Pakistan is currently serving as a non-permanent member for the 2025–2026 term. They also reaffirmed the longstanding relations between Pakistan and Kuwait.
Tensions in the Gulf have surged since coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran on Feb. 28, diminishing prospects of a diplomatic settlement to Tehran’s long-running dispute with Western countries and Israel over its nuclear program.
Iran subsequently said it was targeting American military bases in Gulf states, prompting condemnations from these countries, which said several strikes had hit civilian infrastructure.
Pakistan condemned both the initial strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks across the region, urging all sides to halt hostilities.
