India

Breaking Boundaries: India Appoints First Woman To Lead Mission In Pakistan Since Independence

Geetika Srivastava, an IFS officer from the 2005 batch, is set to take on the role of Charge d’Affaires (CDA) in Islamabad. She will succeed Dr. M Suresh Kumar, who is expected to return to New Delhi.

Amid the current downgraded diplomatic status between the two nations, with no High Commissioners and the top diplomat being a Joint Secretary-ranked Charge d’Affaires (CDA), India has chosen a female IFS officer to head its High Commission in Pakistan.

Also Read: 29 August, 2023: Numerology Predictions As Per Your Lucky Number

Presently holding the position of Joint Secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) headquarters, Srivastava is responsible for overseeing the Indo-Pacific division.

Having learned Mandarin as part of her foreign language training, she previously served at the Indian Embassy in China from 2007 to 2009. Her experience also includes roles at the Regional Passport Office in Kolkata and as the Director of the Indian Ocean Region division within the MEA.

Also Read: SEBI Inquiry Uncovers Profits For 12 Firms Via Adani Shares Short Selling During Hindenburg Report Probe

Since 1947, when Sri Prakasa was appointed as the Indian High Commissioner to the former Dominion of Pakistan, New Delhi’s representation has consistently been composed of male diplomats. Over the years, there have been a total of 22 heads of mission.

Ajay Bisaria, the previous Indian High Commissioner to Islamabad, was recalled when Pakistan chose to downgrade the High Commission’s status in response to the revocation of Article 370 in 2019.

“While women diplomats have previously been stationed in Pakistan, they haven’t held positions at the highest level. Additionally, Islamabad was categorized as a “non-family” posting for Indian diplomats some years ago, making it a challenging assignment for female officers, often limiting their ability to take up roles in Pakistan.”

“At present, a woman diplomat holds the position of First Secretary at the Indian High Commission.”

“Pakistan has appointed a new Charge d’Affaires (CDA) in New Delhi as well. Saad Ahmad Warraich, a seasoned diplomat with experience at Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York, takes over from Salman Sharif, who departed India last month and returned to Islamabad.”

Priyanka Rai

Recent Posts

PM Modi Meets Bhutan PM Tobgay At BIMSTEC Summit; Highlights Strong Bilateral Ties & Regional Cooperation

PM Narendra Modi met Bhutanese PM Tshering Tobgay on the sidelines of the 6th BIMSTEC…

5 hours ago

Jamia Students Back Waqf Amendment Bill; Call It A Step Toward Empowerment

The student group 'Shaher-E-Arzoo' expressed firm support for the Waqf Amendment Bill, calling it a…

7 hours ago

India’s Exports To The US Face Limited Impact From Tariff Hike: SBI Report

The 27% tariff hike by US President Donald Trump on Indian goods will have only…

7 hours ago

Waqf Freed From Mafia Control, New Era Of Development Begins For Muslims: MRM

Following the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 in both Houses of Parliament, celebrations…

8 hours ago

India’s Forex Reserves Surge To $665.4 Billion; Rupee Strengthens As Trade Deficit Narrows

India’s forex reserves jumped $6.6 billion to a five-month high of $665.4 billion for the…

9 hours ago

Laxmi Singh Leads Gautam Buddha Nagar Police To Historic No 1 Rank In IGRS Across All Stations

Gautam Buddha Nagar Police, led by CP Laxmi Singh, achieved a historic feat with all…

10 hours ago