Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, a seasoned career diplomat, has taken on the responsibilities of Pakistan’s Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO as of January 2025. Before this, she served as the Spokesperson and Additional Foreign Secretary (Strategic Communications Division and Public Diplomacy) at Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ms. Baloch brings a wealth of experience from a distinguished diplomatic career. She previously served as Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea from 2020 to 2021 and as Minister and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Pakistan in China from 2015 to 2020. Earlier roles included Counselor for Political Affairs at Pakistan’s Embassy in Washington, DC (2006–2011) and Second Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations in Geneva (1999–2002).
Her contributions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad include serving as Additional Foreign Secretary for Asia and the Pacific (2022–2023), Director for the Americas (2013–2014), Director for Security Council and Human Rights (2012–2013), and Director for Strategic Planning (2011–2012).
From 2014 to 2015, she held the roles of Director (Academic Programme) and Acting Director General at the Foreign Service Academy in Islamabad, where she contributed significantly to the training of diplomats.
Ms. Baloch’s academic credentials are equally impressive. She holds a Master’s degree in Physics from Punjab University, Lahore; a Master’s in International Relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in the United States; and a degree in Public Administration from École Nationale d’Administration in France.
Her vast expertise and diplomatic acumen are expected to further strengthen Pakistan’s representation in France and its collaboration with UNESCO.
