Mumtaz Zahra Baloch appointed as new FO spokesperson

 ISLAMABAD, Nov 12 (SABAH): Additional Foreign Secretary for Asia & Pacific Mumtaz Zahra Baloch has been appointed as the Foreign Office spokesperson, according to a notification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch has over 20 years of experience in foreign affairs and has previously served as the South Korean ambassador, as well as performing duties in other countries such as the United States and China.

She was previously served as Ambassador of Pakistan to the Republic of Korea (2020-2021), Minister/Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing (2015-2020), Counselor for Political Affairs at the Embassy of Pakistan, Washington DC (2006-2011) and as Second Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations, Geneva (1999- 2002).

At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs she served as Director (America), Director (Security Council and Human Rights) and Director (Strategic Planning) in the Office of the Foreign Secretary. During 2014-2015, she served as director

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch holds masters degree in Physics from the Punjab University, Lahore, a Masters in International Relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, USA and a degree from the prestigious Ecole Nationale d’ Administration, France.

The notification said that MOFA Director General, Strategic Communication Division, Saima Sayed would serve as the deputy spokesperson with immediate effect.

Saima Sayed previously served as Counselor at the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations, New York (2015-2018), First Secretary at the High Commission of Pakistan, New Delhi(2012-2015) and as  Second Secretary at the Embassy of Pakistan, Paris (2007-2010). 

At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs she served as Director (Arms Control & Disarmament& Science Diplomacy), Deputy Chief of Protocol and Deputy Director Europe.

Saima Sayed holds master degree in Public Administration from Quaid–i-Azam University, Islamabad.