ISLAMABAD, JUL 24 /DNA/ – Pakistan picked seasoned diplomat Ambassador Syed Ali Asad Gillani for critical foreign postings, appointing him as the new ambassador to China at a time when Islamabad and Beijing are seeking to deepen strategic cooperation across diplomacy, defence, trade and regional connectivity.

Gillani will replace Ambassador Khalil Hashmi, who is expected to return to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after completing his three-year tenure in Beijing.

The appointment comes as Pakistan and China continue to expand collaboration under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), strengthen defence cooperation and coordinate closely on regional and global issues amid a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

Gillani is a seasoned diplomat with nearly 30 years of service. He joined Foreign Service in 90s and has built an extensive diplomatic career across Asia, Europe and the Middle East. His connection with China dates back more than two decades when he served as Third Secretary at the Pakistani Embassy in Beijing.

Most recently, he has been serving in senior leadership roles at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including as Additional Secretary, where he has overseen key regional diplomatic affairs, while simultaneously heading the Foreign Service Academy as its Director General.

Gillani combines diplomatic experience with strong academic profile. He earned PhD in International Relations from Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara, Türkiye.

Over nearly three decades, Gillani has served in several high-profile diplomatic assignments.

His overseas postings include Beijing as Third Secretary, Geneva as First Secretary, Tokyo as Counsellor. and Ankara as Minister and Deputy Head of Mission. He also served as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan, where he played an active role in boosting bilateral relations, promoting trade and regional connectivity, engaging with the Pakistani diaspora and participating in Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) activities.

At the Foreign Office headquarters, he has held several important positions, including Section Officer, Deputy Director, Director, Deputy Chief of Protocol and senior roles dealing with political affairs, human resources and multilateral diplomacy.

Gillani takes charge of Pakistan’s embassy in Beijing at a crucial moment for bilateral relations. China remains Pakistan’s largest strategic partner, with cooperation extending far beyond diplomacy. The relationship spans defence collaboration, infrastructure development, energy projects, trade, technology, investment and regional security.