Key Points:
- He succeeds Ambassador Khalil Hashmi in Beijing
- Appointment underscores focus on strategic ties with China
- Gilani previously served as ambassador to Uzbekistan
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has appointed senior diplomat Ali Asad Gilani as its next ambassador to China, replacing Khalil Hashmi upon the completion of his three-year tenure in Beijing, according to diplomatic sources.
Gilani, who is currently serving as Additional Secretary (Asia-Pacific) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will assume one of Pakistan’s most significant diplomatic assignments as Islamabad seeks to deepen cooperation with Beijing across economic, political and security sectors.
A career diplomat with decades of experience, Gilani has previously served as Additional Secretary for West Asia and Afghanistan. At the previsou position he was involved in Pakistan’s engagement with Gulf states and regional affairs.
He also served as Pakistan’s ambassador to Uzbekistan, contributing to efforts aimed at enhancing trade, investment and connectivity between Central and South Asia.
His appointment comes at a time when Pakistan and China are pursuing the next phase of cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with a particular focus on industrial development, technology, agriculture and regional connectivity.
Gilani succeeds Ambassador Khalil
Gilani succeeds Ambassador Khalil Hashmi, under whose tenure the two countries expanded collaboration in areas including CPEC, defence cooperation and high-level diplomatic engagement.
As ambassador, Gilani is expected to prioritise efforts to increase bilateral trade, attract additional Chinese investment and facilitate the implementation of key infrastructure and development projects.
He is also likely to oversee expanded cooperation in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy and digital technologies.
China remains Pakistan’s largest source of foreign direct investment and its closest strategic partner.
Pakistan and China charish their relationship as an “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership,” with Beijing continuing to play a central role in Pakistan’s economic development agenda through the Belt and Road Initiative and CPEC.
Gilani’s appointment reflects Islamabad’s emphasis on placing experienced career diplomats in key global capitals amid evolving regional and international dynamics.
