KARACHI: Seasoned US diplomat Natalie Baker has assumed charge of the key post of deputy chief of mission to Pakistan, the American embassy in Islamabad announced on Thursday amid strained ties between the two countries who were once close allies. 

Pakistan and the US cultivated strong defense ties during the Cold War days, yet their relationship was also tested by divergent priorities on various issues. However, more recent times have seen tensions escalate, particularly after 9/11, when US officials criticized Pakistan for not sufficiently supporting the American military efforts against the Taliban in Afghanistan.

While Islamabad and Washington enjoyed close cooperation during the so-called “War on Terror,” the resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan strained relations between the two countries as Washington suspected Pakistan of sheltering Taliban fighters, a charge Islamabad strongly denied. 

The perception of US interference in Pakistani politics has also been a contentious issue between the two countries, highlighted by former prime minister Imran Khan’s allegations that Washington orchestrated his ouster in April 2022, a claim the US authorities have denied.

“The US Mission to Pakistan welcomes the arrival of Deputy Chief of Mission Natalie A. Baker,” a statement from the US embassy in Islamabad said. 

“Prior to assuming the duties of Deputy Chief of Mission at US Embassy Islamabad, Natalie served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Doha, Qatar. “

Baker has also served as the US deputy chief and charge d’Affaires of the US Mission to Libya, deputy director of the Iran Regional Presence Office at the US Consulate in Dubai and as economic counselor at the US Embassy in Kuwait.

“Natalie’s previous other assignments included Special Assistant in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Consular Officer in Islamabad, Pakistan, and Cultural Officer in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan,” the US Embassy said. 

Baker also holds a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University. She is a 2017 Distinguished Graduate of the National War College, National Defense University of the United States of America.