Ghalib Iqbal tipped as next foreign secretary

Name proposed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif

ISLAMABAD: Ghalib Iqbal, a veteran diplomat, is being seriously considered for the post of the Secretary, ministry of foreign affairs and incumbent Secretary Aizaz Chaudhary is most likely to be sent on an assignment abroad.

Ghalib Iqbal, a seasoned diplomat, is currently posted in Paris as Pakistan’s ambassador to France and his performance as the envoy to France has been rated excellent. Ghalib was earlier scheduled to leave charge on June 10, but now he is expected to return home after Eidul Fitr.

“Ghalib’s name for the top diplomatic post was proposed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif himself,” sources privy to the development told The Express Tribune on condition of anonymity.

The sources said that Prime Minister Sharif was not only impressed by Ghalib’s performance, but was also appreciative of his outstanding work during the recent Climate Conference held in Paris also attended by the Prime Minister.

“It was decided right then. Prime Minister Sharif discussed this (issue) with close aides and told them that considering Ghalib Iqbal’s (outstanding) performance and excellent service record, he (the PM) had made up his mind to elevate him to the top diplomatic post,” the sources said.

They said that the Premier’s move to appoint Ghalib Iqbal was being resisted by Special Adviser Tariq Fatemi.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 10^th, 2016.