Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad concludes his tenure as Pakistan Permanent Representative to the UN, returning to Islamabad.
NEW YORK — Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad has officially concluded his tour of duty as Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, marking the end of a prominent diplomatic posting.
Preparing for his departure to Islamabad, Ambassador Ahmad reflected on his tenure representing Pakistan on the global multilateral stage, describing it as an immense honor and professional privilege. In his parting communications, the outgoing envoy expressed deep personal gratitude to his mother, family members, friends, and the dedicated diplomatic staff at the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations. He noted that their consistent prayers, encouragement, and professional support were vital in enabling him to fulfill his demanding diplomatic responsibilities to the highest possible standard.
During his concluding days in New York, the ambassador received notable expressions of appreciation from international diplomatic colleagues across the United Nations system. He was particularly touched by gracious remarks delivered by the President of the UN Security Council, who formally commended his diplomatic engagement and contributions during formal council deliberations. Colleagues across various UN bodies praised his active role in navigating complex international security and humanitarian issues on behalf of Pakistan.
As he transitions away from his New York posting, Ambassador Ahmad stated that he looks forward to assuming his new official responsibilities back in Islamabad. He emphasized that he carries forward cherished memories, invaluable multilateral experiences, and a profound sense of gratitude for the unique opportunity to represent Pakistan’s foreign policy interests at the United Nations.
Before departing, the ambassador gathered with mission colleagues for a final group photograph at the mission headquarters, praising them as a wonderful team with whom it had been a distinct honor to serve. Diplomatic observers noted that his tenure saw active Pakistani engagement across multiple Security Council discussions, humanitarian advocacy missions, and regional peace initiatives. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to announce his successor in due course, while Ambassador Ahmad prepares to take up his next assignment within Pakistan’s diplomatic establishment.
Marking the end of his prominent posting in New York, Ambassador Ahmad addressed the United Nations Security Council, where he delivered a comprehensive statement concerning escalating regional tensions and maritime security in the Middle East. During the formal session, Pakistan called upon the United Nations Security Council to take immediate and unified action to halt escalating Houthi attacks along Yemen’s western coast and around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, warning that ongoing hostilities continue to threaten regional stability and civilian infrastructure.
Addressing the Security Council, Ambassador Ahmad emphasized that the intensifying offensive underscores the critical urgency of protecting maritime security and ensuring freedom of navigation in full accordance with international law. He explicitly called on Houthi forces to cease all attacks targeting commercial shipping lanes, which remain vital for international trade and regional economic stability.
Expanding on diplomatic pathways to peace, the ambassador expressed strong support for UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg’s ongoing efforts to contain the military escalation, maintain open communication channels, and facilitate a comprehensive cessation of hostilities. Furthermore, he called for an inclusive, Yemeni-led, and Yemeni-owned political process operating strictly under United Nations auspices to ensure a lasting settlement.Turning to the deteriorating humanitarian conditions on the ground, Ambassador Ahmad noted that renewed fighting—including the military offensive around Taiz and an attack by Houthi elements on Aden airport—has placed civilians and critical public infrastructure in grave danger.
He urged the international community to secure safe, rapid, and unhindered humanitarian access, provide adequate funding for relief operations, and enforce stringent protections for civilian installations. Essential commercial supplies, food, and fuel, he stressed, must reach all vulnerable populations without obstruction.
Pakistan Urges UN Security Council Action on Yemen Maritime Security
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