[2] He also served as minister of state for foreign affairs with cabinet rank from 22 December 1986 to 29 May 1988.
[4] During the Soviet–Afghan War, Muhammad Khan Junejo removed Sahabzada Yaqub Khan from the ministry and appointed Noorani as the minister of state for foreign affairs to run foreign and defence affairs independently.
[5][6] In 1988, Noorani had to participate in 1988 Geneva Accords, however, Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq asked him to sign only predetermined agreements as per military instructions relating Afghan peace process.
General Zia-ul-Haq had also warned him that if he did not follow the military instructions, the Afghans would lynch him on the road.
[5] Junejo, on the other hand had instructed Noorani not return to Pakistan without signing peace deal, contradict to general Zia's decision,[7] and as a result, he reached Geneva, Switzerland, but didn't participated in the meeting, citing health issues.