Karachi: Former Foreign Secretary and distinguished diplomat Najmuddin A. Shaikh has passed away at the age of 89, his family confirmed. He peacefully breathed his last at his residence in Karachi early Friday morning.
In an official statement, the family shared, “With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of former Foreign Secretary and Ambassador Najmuddin A. Shaikh, who left us peacefully at his home in Karachi on Friday morning.”
His funeral prayers are scheduled for March 28, following Asr prayers at 5:15 PM, at the Phase VIII Graveyard in DHA, Karachi.
A Legacy of Diplomacy
Shaikh served as Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary from 1994 to 1997, leaving a lasting impact on the country’s foreign relations. Born in Sindh, he embarked on his diplomatic journey by joining the Foreign Service of Pakistan in 1961. He later earned a degree from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in 1962. His illustrious 38-year career saw him take on key diplomatic roles, including serving as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Canada (1987–1989), West Germany (1989–1990), the United States (1990–1991), and Iran (1992–1994). His tenure as Foreign Secretary concluded when Shamshad Ahmad succeeded him in the role.
Beyond his formal foreign service, Shaikh continued to serve the nation as Pakistan’s special envoy to Yemen, Sudan, Kenya, and Bahrain in 2005. His expertise was also recognized through his role as a board member of the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad, and as Senior Vice President of the Karachi Council of Foreign Relations.
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Remembering a Stalwart
Najmuddin Shaikh is survived by his wife, Raana Shaikh, a former Managing Director of Pakistan Television and Secretary for the Ministry of Culture. He leaves behind two children: Nadir Shaikh, a partner at financial advisory firm Qatalyst Partners LLP, and Nermeen Shaikh, a broadcast news producer and co-host at Democracy Now!. His family includes daughter-in-law Sobia Shaikh and grandchildren Isaad and Lyali Shaikh.
Among his surviving siblings are Waheeda Noorul Hasan, Sirajuddin Shaikh (formerly of Sui Southern Gas Company), Air Marshal (Retd) Riazuddin Shaikh, Dr. Ajazuddin Shaikh, Dr. Rafat Arain, and Dr. Fareeduddin Shaikh.
Tributes from the Diplomatic Community
Najmuddin Shaikh was widely respected for his diplomatic prowess and profound understanding of international affairs. His niece, Erum Shaikh, Head of the Business Desk at The Express Tribune, reflected on his legacy: “He was a reservoir of wisdom and a remarkable diplomat who served Pakistan with unwavering dedication. Conversations with him were journeys through history, culture, and human insight. He will be deeply missed.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs paid homage, stating, “As Foreign Secretary, Shaikh exhibited exceptional leadership, steering Pakistan’s foreign policy with vision and mentoring future generations of diplomats.”
Colleagues and officials expressed their grief and respect for his contributions. Former Foreign Minister Sherry Rehman posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Deeply saddened by the passing of former Foreign Secretary Najmuddin Shaikh. A veteran diplomat, he continued serving Pakistan with the highest integrity long after retirement. He will be greatly missed.”
Maleeha Lodhi, former Permanent Representative to the UN, described him as “a solid professional and a fine human being.” Similarly, ex-Ambassador to the US, Husain Haqqani, remembered him as “an honorable and capable diplomat who represented Pakistan in challenging times and demanding diplomatic roles.”
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s Khurram Dastagir lamented his passing as “a loss of a rare breed of diplomats—individuals deeply engaged with global affairs and capable of nuanced international analysis.”
A Request for Prayers
Shaikh’s family has requested prayers for his departed soul, stating, “We kindly ask everyone to recite Surah-e-Fatiha for his peaceful transition to the eternal world.”
FAQs
1. Who was Najmuddin Shaikh?
Najmuddin Shaikh was a veteran Pakistani diplomat who served as Foreign Secretary from 1994 to 1997 and held key ambassadorial positions in several countries, including the United States, Iran, and Canada.
2. What notable roles did Najmuddin Shaikh hold during his career?
He served as Pakistan’s ambassador to the US, Iran, West Germany, and Canada, in addition to being the country’s Foreign Secretary. He also acted as Pakistan’s special envoy to multiple nations and contributed to various diplomatic think tanks.
3. What were some of Najmuddin Shaikh’s contributions to Pakistan’s foreign relations?
He played a pivotal role in shaping Pakistan’s diplomatic strategies, enhancing bilateral relations, and mentoring future diplomats. His leadership was instrumental in navigating Pakistan’s foreign policy challenges.
4. When and where will Najmuddin Shaikh’s funeral take place?
His funeral prayers are scheduled for March 28, 2025, after Asr prayers at 5:15 PM at the Phase VIII Graveyard in DHA, Karachi.
5. How is Najmuddin Shaikh being remembered by his peers?
He is being honored as a dedicated and principled diplomat who significantly contributed to Pakistan’s international standing. Former colleagues and diplomats have described him as a visionary leader and a mentor to many in the field of foreign relations.
