Pakistan is preparing for a diplomatic transition at the United Nations, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif deciding to appoint Ambassador Syed Haider Shah as the country’s next permanent representative, according to a report published on October 17, 2026. Shah currently serves as Pakistan’s ambassador to the Netherlands and is expected to take up the new assignment in New York.
Shah is expected to replace Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, who previously represented Pakistan at the United Nations and has since assumed charge as the country’s foreign secretary. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to issue an official notification to formalise Shah’s appointment. The precise date on which he will formally assume the position has not yet been announced.
As Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Shah will be responsible for presenting Islamabad’s position on international issues, engaging with representatives of other member states and participating in diplomatic discussions across the UN system. The role involves representing Pakistan in multilateral forums and advancing the country’s stated foreign policy priorities through international dialogue.
The United Nations serves as an important platform for Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement on regional stability, international peace and security, economic cooperation and other global concerns. Pakistan uses the organisation to communicate its positions on issues of national and international importance and to participate in negotiations with other member states.
Shah’s diplomatic experience, including his current assignment in the Netherlands, will form part of the background he brings to the new role. His appointment follows Ahmad’s transition to the position of foreign secretary, creating a change in Pakistan’s diplomatic representation at the UN headquarters in New York.
The reported nomination comes as Pakistan continues its engagement with international institutions and diplomatic partners on regional and global matters. Once the appointment is formally notified and Shah assumes his responsibilities, he will take on the task of representing Pakistan in UN deliberations and maintaining diplomatic engagement with member states.
Pakistan Names Haider Shah as Next Permanent Representative to the United Nations
