Paul Jones takes charge as new US Ambassador in Islamabad, career profile

Paul Jones takes charge as new US Ambassador in Islamabad, career profile

ISLAMABAD – The new US diplomat to Pakistan, Paul Jones began his assignment as the Chargé d’Affaires at the United States Embassy Monday with a resolve to work with the new government.

“Ambassador Jones will lead the United States Mission in Pakistan in its ongoing efforts to deepen the connections between the Pakistani and American people, and work with the new government of Pakistan towards a more stable, secure, and prosperous future for Pakistan,” a statement from the US embassy said.

Ambassador Jones brings a wealth of experience and diplomatic expertise to this shared effort and to the US Mission in Pakistan.

“I’m thrilled to be back in Pakistan. I look forward to reacquainting myself with the country’s warm and welcoming people, beautiful landscapes, and delicious food,” Ambassador Jones said on his arrival.

Paul Jones is a career member of the State Department’s Senior Foreign Service. He served as Ambassador to Poland from 2015 to 2018. Previously, he was the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (2013-2015), Ambassador to Malaysia (2010-2013), and Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan while concurrently Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs (2009-2010).

He has also served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Manila, the US Mission to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and at the U.S. Embassy in Skopje, Macedonia.

Ambassador Jones’s awards include the Presidential Meritorious Service Award, the Robert C. Frasure Memorial Award for peace building, and several Superior Honor Awards.

He speaks Spanish, Russian, and some Polish.

He is a graduate of Cornell University and received Master’s degrees from the University of Virginia and the Naval War College. He is married to Catherine Jones, an award-winning author and freelance writer. They have two children, Aleksandra and Hale.