Ambassador Ali Asad Gilani has been nominated as Pakistan's new ambassador to China, succeeding Ambassador Khalil Hashmi, who is set to return to Islamabad next week. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced the appointment on social media, praising Khalil Hashmi for his valuable contributions to advancing bilateral ties.

Gilani is currently serving as Additional Secretary for Afghanistan and West Asia at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a position he assumed in January 2025. He brings extensive diplomatic experience, having previously served in missions across Beijing, Geneva, Tokyo, and Ankara, alongside a tenure as Pakistan's ambassador to Uzbekistan from 2020 to 2023.

Holding a PhD in International Relations from Middle East Technical University in Ankara, Gilani joined the Foreign Service of Pakistan in 1996. His academic background also includes studying the Chinese language at Beijing Cultural and Language University during an earlier diplomatic posting.

Meanwhile, in a separate diplomatic development, Pakistan has strongly condemned recent attacks targeting civilian and economic installations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Islamabad reiterated its steadfast support for the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia.