ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has appointed senior career diplomat Ali Asad Gilani as its new ambassador to China, replacing Khalil Hashmi, who completed his three year term in Beijing. The appointment comes as Pakistan and China continue expanding cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure and regional security.
Gilani currently serves as Additional Secretary (Asia-Pacific) at Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He will now lead one of Pakistan’s most important diplomatic missions as both countries work to strengthen their long standing strategic partnership.
Officials said the appointment comes at a key time for Pakistan, China relations. Both countries are moving forward with the second phase of the China, Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), focusing on new projects in industry, agriculture, technology and regional connectivity.
Gilani is widely known for his experience in Asian diplomacy. Before leading the Asia-Pacific Division, he served as Additional Secretary for West Asia and Afghanistan. In that role, he helped manage Pakistan’s relations with Gulf countries and worked on regional political and security issues.
Earlier in his career, Gilani served as Pakistan’s ambassador to Uzbekistan, where he worked to improve trade, investment and regional connectivity between Central and South Asia. Foreign Office officials describe him as an experienced diplomat with strong knowledge of regional affairs and multilateral diplomacy.
As Pakistan’s new ambassador, Gilani is expected to focus on increasing bilateral trade, attracting more Chinese investment and ensuring the timely completion of CPEC projects. He is also expected to strengthen cooperation in growing sectors such as information technology, green energy, agriculture and artificial intelligence.
China remains Pakistan’s largest strategic partner and one of its biggest sources of foreign investment. The new ambassador will also help coordinate official visits and promote cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. Expanding educational, cultural and people to people exchanges is also expected to remain a priority.
