Ex-foreign secy Najmuddin Sheikh passes away

Pakistan’s former foreign secretary and international affairs expert Najmuddin A Sheikh passed away in Karachi on Friday morning. He was 85.

Sheikh served as Pakistan's foreign secretary from 1994 to 1997. He was an alumnus of the University of Sindh and Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at the Tufts University, Massachusetts.

Sheikh dedicated nearly four decades of his life to serving Pakistan's foreign service. His illustrious career included ambassadorial postings in Germany, Canada, the United States and Iran where he skillfully advanced Pakistan’s diplomatic interests.

As the foreign secretary, he brought visionary leadership to the role, shaping foreign policy with strategic foresight and mentoring generations of diplomats who followed in his footsteps. Renowned for his diplomatic acumen, Sheikh was a steadfast advocate for international cooperation, regional stability and human rights. His contributions earned him widespread respect at home and abroad, with colleagues and counterparts alike admiring his integrity, professionalism and unwavering dedication to Pakistan.

Beyond his diplomatic service, he served on the Board of Governors of the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad, and was a founding member of the Sindh Council of Foreign Relations.

The ministry of foreign affairs in Islamabad extended its deepest condolences to Sheikh's family, friends and all those who had the honour of knowing and working alongside him. The late foreign secretary’s funeral prayers were held in DHA after Asr prayers. He was laid to rest at the DHA Phase-VIII graveyard. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah expressed grief over the passing away of Sheikh. The CM prayed for the departed soul while praising his diplomatic services for the country.