Foreign Secretary Riaz Mohammad Khan and Federal Secretary, Economic Affairs Division, Akram Malik, have retired after rendering services to the country in various capacities for over three decades. Akram Malik joined the civil service in 1973 as a District Management Group (DMG) officer and his first posting was as an Assistant Commissioner in Punjab.
He served various districts, including Rawalpindi as Deputy Commissioner, Finance Secretary, Chairman, Planning and Development Board, Punjab, Commercial Counsellor in Pakistan High Commission, UK, and Executive Director of Asian Development Bank, Manila.
After completion of his extended deputation to the ADB, Akram was appointed Secretary, Planning Commission and later on he took over as the Secretary, Economic Affairs Division.
Foreign Secretary Riaz Mohammad Khan joined the Foreign Service of Pakistan in 1969. His last posting was in China as Pakistan's Ambassador before he was elevated to the post of Foreign Secretary.
Khan reached the superannuation age of 60 in September 2004, but was given two years' extension. In 2006, he was given another extension of two years, which will expire in September 2008. Khan had requested the government to relieve him after the review of fourth round of composite dialogue between Pakistan and India by Foreign Secretaries of the two countries next month.
However, the government has decided to relieve him of his responsibilities forthwith and appointed Salman Bashir, Pakistan's Ambassador to China, as Foreign Secretary. Official circles have expressed dismay over the manner Khan's retirement is being politicised in media and some political parties' meetings.
They say Khan had already enjoyed three-and-half year's extension as Foreign Secretary during which several competent and brilliant Grade 22 ambassadors retired without getting their elevation as Foreign Secretary. It may be added that some newspapers have published stories giving the impression that the government has removed Khan for opposing the United Nations-led probe into Benazir Bhutto's assassination.