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Pakistan has appointed Imran Haider as its new High Commissioner to Bangladesh, following a recommendation from the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He will replace Syed Ahmed Maroof, who returned to Pakistan in May following an urgent summons by the ministry. Diplomatic sources have confirmed this development.
Background of the High Commissioner Change
Syed Ahmed Maroof, Pakistan’s former High Commissioner in Dhaka, left for Islamabad via Dubai on an Emirates Airlines flight on May 11 at 7:40 PM. His sudden departure sparked various speculations. It was reported that on May 9, during a visit to Cox’s Bazar, the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs urgently summoned him. Maroof was accompanied by his close friend Azhar Mahmood and a female Assistant Director of Bangladesh Bank during the trip. Sources noted that the woman was seen multiple times with Maroof at Hotel Sea Pearl in Cox’s Bazar. When questioned, she claimed it was a coincidental meeting and denied any inappropriate relationship.
Following the incident, which caught the attention of the Pakistani government, Maroof was recalled to Pakistan. Although the Pakistan High Commission did not officially confirm the matter, it was informally stated that he was on a two-week leave. However, even after a month, Maroof did not return to Bangladesh. Subsequently, Pakistan swiftly appointed Imran Haider as the new High Commissioner.
Imran Haider joined Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1996 and has served in various political and administrative roles in Islamabad. On March 25 last year, he assumed the role of Pakistan’s Ambassador to Myanmar. Previously, he served in Tajikistan, as Minister/Deputy Head of Mission in Tehran (2016–2019), New Delhi (2009–2012), Abu Dhabi (2001–2006), and Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York (1998–1999).
