Ali Asad Gilani has been appointed as Pakistan’s new ambassador to China, replacing Khalil Hashmi after the completion of his diplomatic assignment in Beijing.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced the appointment on Friday (today), September 11, through a social media post.
Gilani has previously served in several important positions at Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dar expressed that the new ambassador would play an important role in further strengthening relations between Pakistan and China.
The foreign minister said he was confident that Gilani would help further advance the Pakistan-China relations.
Gilani to succeed Khalil Hashmi
Gilani will replace Khalil Hashmi, who has completed his tenure as Pakistan’s ambassador to China.
According to Dar, Hashmi will return to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs next week after completing his assignment in Beijing.
The deputy prime minister praised the outgoing ambassador for his work during his tenure. He said Hashmi had made an important contribution to strengthening the close and longstanding friendship between Pakistan and China.
Dar also said that Gilani would build on the work carried out by previous Pakistani ambassadors in Beijing. He extended his best wishes to both diplomats as they prepare to take on their respective responsibilities.
Pakistan-China relations
Gilani will take up the diplomatic position at a time when Pakistan and China continue to maintain close political, economic and strategic relations.
The two countries describe their relationship as an All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, including trade, investment, infrastructure and regional connectivity.
One of the most important parts of their economic relationship is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which includes major infrastructure, energy and development projects.
As ambassador in Beijing, Gilani will be responsible for representing Pakistan and supporting diplomatic engagement between the two governments. His role involves helping advance bilateral cooperation and maintaining communication on issues of mutual interest.
The appointment marks a transition in Pakistan’s diplomatic representation in Beijing as Khalil Hashmi concludes his tenure and returns to the Foreign Ministry.