Former Foreign Secretary Najmuddin A. Shaikh Passes Away in Karachi
KARACHI:
Former Foreign Secretary and veteran diplomat Najmuddin A. Shaikh passed away peacefully at his residence in Karachi early Friday morning, his family confirmed.
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of former Foreign Secretary and Ambassador Najmuddin A. Shaikh, who peacefully left us at home in the early hours of Friday in Karachi,” the family stated in a message to The Express Tribune.
His funeral prayers will be held on March 28 after Asr prayers at 5:15 PM at the Phase VIII Graveyard, DHA, Karachi.
A Distinguished Diplomatic Career
Shaikh, who served as Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary from 1994 to 1997, was a highly respected diplomat. Originally from Sindh, he joined the Foreign Service of Pakistan in 1961 after completing his education at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in 1962. Over a remarkable 38-year career, he held key ambassadorial posts, representing Pakistan in:
- Canada (1987–1989)
- West Germany (1989–1990)
- United States (1990–1991)
- Iran (1992–1994)
After his tenure as Foreign Secretary, he was succeeded by Shamshad Ahmad.
Beyond his formal diplomatic roles, Shaikh served as Pakistan’s special envoy to Yemen, Sudan, Kenya, and Bahrain in 2005. He was also actively involved with strategic think tanks, serving as a board member at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad, and as senior vice president of the Karachi Council of Foreign Relations.
A Life of Service and Family Legacy
Shaikh is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Raana Shaikh, a former Managing Director of Pakistan Television (PTV) and Secretary for the Ministry of Culture. He leaves behind two children:
- Nadir Shaikh, a partner at financial advisory firm Qatalyst Partners LLP
- Nermeen Shaikh, a broadcast news producer and co-host at Democracy Now!
His extended family includes daughter-in-law Sobia Shaikh and two grandchildren, Isaad and Lyali Shaikh.
Shaikh’s siblings are:
- Waheeda Noorul Hasan
- Sirajuddin Shaikh (formerly of Sui Southern Gas Company)
- Air Marshal (Retd) Riazuddin Shaikh
- Dr. Ajazuddin Shaikh
- Dr. Rafat Arain
- Dr. Fareeduddin Shaikh
Tributes and Condolences
Reflecting on his contributions, his niece Erum Shaikh, Business Desk Head at The Express Tribune, described him as “a walking encyclopedia, a diplomat of extraordinary skill, and a mentor whose wisdom enriched those around him.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also paid tribute, stating, “As Foreign Secretary, Najmuddin Shaikh demonstrated visionary leadership, shaping Pakistan’s foreign policy with strategic insight while mentoring future generations of diplomats.”
Colleagues, politicians, and diplomats expressed their grief:
- Sherry Rehman (PPP) wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Deeply saddened by the passing of Najmuddin Shaikh, a diplomat of the highest integrity who continued serving Pakistan well beyond his retirement. He will be greatly missed.”
- Maleeha Lodhi (Former UN Representative) called him “a consummate professional and a wonderful human being.”
- Husain Haqqani (Former Ambassador to the US) described him as “an honorable and capable diplomat who navigated Pakistan’s interests in challenging global circumstances.”
- Khurram Dastagir (PML-N) lamented the loss of “a rare breed of diplomats who understood the world deeply and could analyze international events with remarkable clarity.”
His family has requested prayers in his memory, urging well-wishers to offer Surah-e-Fatiha for his soul.
