ISLAMABAD: The Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif has approved the appointment of two new ambassadors for foreign postings. According to reports, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had submitted a proposal for the appointments, which has now received approval.

Marghoob Saleem Butt, currently serving as Additional Secretary for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has been named Pakistan's new ambassador to Switzerland. Meanwhile, Aamir Shoukat, who had been representing Pakistan in Switzerland, has been appointed as the ambassador to Egypt.

Additionally, France has formally approved the appointment of Mumtaz Zahra Baloch as Pakistan's new ambassador. Baloch previously served as the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These diplomatic appointments highlight a strategic reshuffle in Pakistan's representation abroad, aiming to strengthen ties and advance national interests.

Earlier, PM Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday launched the anti-polio drive by administering polio drops to children under five years of age, emphasizing the government's commitment to completely eradicate polio virus from Pakistan.

During the inauguration, the prime minister highlighted the growing concern of rising polio cases, with around 60 new reported cases, but assured that with the combined efforts of the federal and provincial governments, the country would overcome this challenge.

Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed his gratitude to the international partners who had supported Pakistan in the fight against polio, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the government of Saudi Arabia.

He specifically thanked Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman for his contributions to the anti-polio campaign in both Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 16 2024

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