ISLAMABAD - Islamabad has notified the appointment of Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani as ambassador to the United States.
A statement released by the Foreign Office on Friday said Jalil Jilani would join his new assignment in December this year.  Jilani, who was appointed foreign secretary in March 2012, joined the Foreign Services of Pakistan in 1979. He is a career diplomat and prior to his current appointment, he served as Pakistan’s ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, and European Union.
He had also interacted with NATO Headquarters in Brussels on a regular basis.
Born on February 2, 1955, Jilani holds a bachelor's degree in Law and MSc in Defence and Strategic Studies. He has specialisation in South Asian affairs. 
Jilani remained director India between 1992 and 1995, deputy high commissioner/acting high commissioner to New Delhi (1999-2003) and director general South Asia and SAARC from 2003 to 2007.
In 2005 he also served as government's spokesperson on Foreign Affairs.
From 1990 to 1992, Jilani served as deputy secretary in the prime minister's Secretariat.
His other overseas assignments included: Jeddah (1983-1985), London (1985-1988), Washington (1995-1999) and High Commissioner to Canberra, Australia (2007-2009).
After Jilani takes his new assignment, Abdul Basit, Pakistan's ambassador to Germany, will take over the charge as foreign secretary.