Sherry Rehman appointed Pakistan's Ambassador to the US
The appointment comes after Husain Haqqani was asked to resign by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani in the wake of the Memogate scandal. Gilani has approved the appointment.
"The prime minister is pleased to appoint Sherry Rehman as the new ambassador to the United States," said spokesman for the Prime Minister's office, Akram Shaheedi, Reuters reported.
Media reports circulating late Tuesday night had suggested that Iffat Imran Gardezi would be the temporary replacement for Haqqani. Gardezi is the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Pakistan Embassy in Washington and assists the ambassador in the overall functioning of the Embassy.
Rehman, a former journalist, was information minister for Zardari after the restoration of civilian rule following a 2008 election.
But she resigned in March 2009 over a crisis in which the government was refusing to reinstate judges sacked under the military regime of President Pervez Musharraf.
Her appointment was a surprise, with many analysts and media pundits expecting someone seen as closer to the military.
Rehman has been a strong advocate of women's and minority rights and faced death threats for her calls to reform the country's harsh blasphemy laws.
But she is also the author, through her role as president of the Jinnah Institute, of a report on Pakistan's foreign policy goals in Afghanistan, staking out views widely seen in Pakistan as dovetailing with those of the powerful military establishment.
Rehman had recently assumed the charge of Chairperson Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), for a period of three years. She was appointed by Asif Ali Zardari, who is also the society’s president.
Suraya Jatoi to occupy Rehman's vacated NA seat
PPP woman wing activist Suraya Jatoi will be elected MNA on the reserved seat vacated by Sherry Rehman.
Rehman left her MNA seat when she was appointed as Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States following the resignation of Husain Haqqani.
Sources in the provincial election commission said that Suraya Jatoi, who belongs to Sukkur district, is eighth on the candidature list provided by PPP for its women MNAs candidate (reserved seats) during the 2008 election. MNA Mahreen Bhutto was number seven on the same list.
Shazia Marri, minister for power comes after her. Since Marri is a sitting MPA, therefore prefers to retain her present position allowing Suraya Jatoi to take up the MNA seat.
Sources in the election commission said that they have not issued notification as yet, however it is likely to be issued within the next 24 hours.
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COMMENTS (153)
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What diplomatic experience does she have? This just smells like politics.
Excellent Choice!
@Mullah KaLullah: yo taliban man - this is PAKISTAN! We are a liberal society not Saudi Arabia where women cant even drive. If she doesn't want to wear a veil its her choice! Mullah my behind. You want veiled women, go to Saudi and get out of my country! We will never let you win.
She is going to Rock
One of the few appointments by Zardari which shall have public approval, a brave lady who shall have the most difficult job in Washington. Wonder if her appointment is to fix her.
It is one of the best choices, I wonder on critics who make mind on pity matter like she is female or from PPP or close to Zardari or ...... basically is she capable enough to handle this tough job? or not or is there any threat to country due to her appointment?
How can a muslim woman be without a veil?
Hey India, look...It is not the military, it is women who rulez Pakistan.
Sherry Rehman is just another voice of Zardari. She may be a courageous woman and a strong legislator, however she will not be allowed to put the interest of Pakistan and her party on the forefront of her job. Rather, the policies will be dictated by Zardari and carried out by Rehman. Do not expect a change in US-Pak policy.
Not eligible member of the corrupt gang with zardari...
Very good choice she is perfect for this roll
Nothing will change...the change has to come from within...
It is good decision!
I am impressed by Zardari. A very wise choice. Also the controversy of this appointment with eclipse the memogate issue. Already Haqqani n the memo r old news.
Is there no more intelligent guys in Pakistan
Good choice. Though the fact Haqqani was forced to resign is a bit unfair to him. The worst part is that Army establishment created circumstances in which, perhaps, Haqqani had no choice. Kayani & Pasha do not come out good. They seem to be the ones who conspired against Haqqani.
what did Miss Firdous do wrong that she dint land this Job?
Sherry Rahman as new Pakistani Ambassador to USA & Hina Rabbani Khar as Foreign minister of Pakistan..... This will be one hell of a combination ...Zardari shb please leave the diplomacy to diplomats ... Zardari government is just a on a mission to destroy Pakistan Air Lines, Pakistan Steel, Pakistan Energy sector & now the foreign policy…. As a nation we are all about equal women rights and everything……. but Zardari shb please help the nation of Pakistan understand the selection criteria for these 2 key positions you gave to Hina Khan & Sherry Rahman?
@Sajida:
As if this enough a qualification for someone to be installed an ambassador......
This is a good joke with the people of Pakistan..In this Govt the people who get fired from the first job end up getting a better one..STRANGE
These jobs are to be handled by professional diplomats not journalists. The previous journalist-turned-ambassador has already messed up the matters beyond control. People at the top should have learned the lesson.
Some experienced diplomat from the foreign service should have been a better choice. Has she ever served in any other country as ambassador before going for the most difficult one?
She made a principled stand on blasphemy. However, given the high level of corruption in the party the first thought is: how is she on the take?
A bold and gutsy decision. Congrats and best of luck. It also proves that both Pakistani civilian govt and USA are not going to encourage a military intervention. Army is supposed to fight the terrorists and civilians are to run the diplomacy. A sign of progress.
It is a beautiful choice!
I didn't like her intially when she came into politics but her resignation changed my mind about her........she stood for a principal............she seems to be an effective communicator and a seasoned diplomat........can't say the same about Khar
Too bad. I was betting on Zulfiqar Mirza. Lol.
Brilliant move by Zardari and Co.
@Muzaffar: Couldn't agree more. Happy to see someone with a thinking like mine. I am unable to understand and may be will never get my answer that why anything is possible in our our country but only with elite and powerful...
Bad move, surprised they couldn't find anyone better than her :(
@hamza farooqi: Save money he is there most of the time
@Tilsim: L OL
Civilian Govt 1-1 Establishment
sherry rehman was the best choice for us ambassadorship,she also criticized the american policies toward pakistan,she has much knoledge abut international affairs.there was some choices of some Generals and civilians for this high post,but can say, a gud choice of civilian govt.
Finally a women of Substance.....This is a great choice from an otherwise blundering Govt!
@0092.identity...Thank God it's not her...
Not that she wasn't working on an American Agenda before at the Jinnah Institute.
Haqqani has become the victim of snake bite.
I would suggest Sherry to keep Mansoor Ijaz at distance otherwise he will also bite Sherry Rahman.
Good luck Sherry in your new endeavors. I will call you in US to remind you once again to keep distance from the real snake.
Dr Maliha lodhee should the best choice sherry rehman is not good enough
Really a good choice
This means everyone can become Ambassador in Pakistan. I heard that you have to do CSS but here the story is different. PTI should also add into their manifesto that President has no rights to select the senior post like Governors,Ambassadors & Government Institutions Chairman,Army chiefs. They should come on merit and seniority wise.
Pakistan is trying to project a soft image internationally by appointing Khar and Sherry. But what Pakistan really needs to do is replace the COAS and DG-ISI with ladies. That is where the soft image is really needed because that is where the real damage is being done to Pakistan.
Excellent news after a long time.
Has she been assured that Mr. Rehman Malik will not interfere in her affairs in USA?
Excellent Choice! Sherry best of luck on new appointment. We are so proud of you! Good decision. Thank God that no general or babu was appointed. AAZ rules!
She is the right person for the right job only thing she should keep away from Manzoor Ijaz & Co
Dont know much abt Ms. SR but they should have chosen an Ex-Army General to hold this position. It is time we had a fair and square play with the US. We are sick and tired of Uncle Sam's "Do More" policy..now we need some real man to take the charge..
Not a bad choice to coverup mess that the present government has landed itself, naturally It needs to be PPP insider. and has to be US choice too. This post should have gone to carrier diplomate.
GHQ, Mullahs and Mansoora are stunned. Once, they are out of shock, they will try their best to stop her appointment. There is no difference between her and Haqqani, except that she is a women.
For God please for the sake of our Federation please get with a pragmatic approach to appoint a sensible and prudent and visionary person but unfortunately we do not have that type of lot amongst in our foreign ministry but we can afford to post Madiha Lodhi but sorry for S.R. reserve our comments being a meagre public representative.
sou daiyo ne'Yuri chan',this proves that Pakistani women are more dynamic,capable & competent then many other women from the developed countries. @Yuri Kondratyuk:
A strange change in Pakistani politics. Women are being deployed at the frontline of the country's foriegn affairs. First it was Hina Rabbani Khar and now Sherry Rehman.
this Iron Lady of Pakistan is the best choice. Pakistani women have come a long way. She is an intellectual, an investigative journalist and a woman of priciple. Her work in Herald recieved accolades, moreso her think tank bought better policy material than the ones meaded by Shireen Mazari and the JI senator. Her work in Lady Dufeerin also worhts mention. She will surely be a good ambassador, journalist like Maleeha Lodhi have proven thier mettle and so will she. Best of luck Sherry, and may you be blessed with more sucesses, and you achieve what Maleeha and Abida Hussain recieved in this poisiton.
No General has got this, thanks God! Sherry is a very competent, well-versed and honourable lady. She is the best choice in the given critical situation. Best of luck Sherry!May be the only sensible person in Peoples Party.
Congratulations to Pakistan a very good move by President and PM
Shery Rehman is indeed a women of substance and caliber best suited to clean up the mess left behind by a man of....hope and pray she deliver...and good to see the govt taking a sensable decision...good luck Shery..:)
Perhaps the best decision taken by PM Gillani. It also shows that the present government has some spine to take its own decisions. All the best to Sherry. I hope she would be successful to improve the dis balance in Pak-US relations.
This appointment shows the bad vision of PPP leadership to nominate a such person who was not even able to run the local ministry of Pakistan in proper way..bad choice for such important place.. Mr.Salman Bashir was right choice... But who can guide Zardari. who always say democracy is best to revenge from Establishment. Pray Allah keep safe Pakistan.
I thought Sherry resigned from her ministerial job in principle ! by rejoining the Government, she proves me wrong. By the way, does the Pakistani ambassador has any role in America? The American Ambassador can convey the orders to the Pakistani Government.
Good move by Mr. President. Best of luck to her :)
Sherry Rehman is a woman, a champion of minority and women rights. I hope she can also champion Pakistan's cause as opposed to PPP ones that her supporters would expect. Her interest should be the interest of Pakistan alone and not of any particular group or factions. She has a huge task and it is hoped she will be greatly successful. We can wish her the very best in her new appointment, a challenge that will require all her skills and charm.
I don't know her at all but am impressed by her upright stand on many issues.
Her only problem will be she has no experience and is being sent to the most difficult (and important) diplomatic post we have.
For all my differences with PPP and Zardari, great decision. She is a wonderful wonderful woman.
Excellent move
@Ayaz Arif Who cares if it is a slap in the face of civil bureaucracy. They should be slapped harder. Pakistan is a democracy not a bureaucracy.
one of the wrost decision !!!!
Excellent choice. and she also knows how to write grammatically - correct memos!
A.A.Zardari proven to be "The President", proud of you
Another Petition in the making by MPL-N.
i guess i'll be the next
Women are going to take over Pakistan it seems, not a good omen....
Sherry's US assignment - which means a senior PPP leader and a senior ex-minister would be reporting to a much junior minister from Musharraf's cabinet ... qismat ka khail ;)
my heartiest wishes to her.i hope we will perform her services very well as compare to Husain Haqqani .
we want change & she will bring change/new policies. dimension toward positive.
Doesnt this remind you of Charlie's ANGELS .....
Any one better than a guy with a name like Haqqani
Good choice by PM. Can't believe i am commending Gilani but this lady is atleast capable.
Great news for the girls of Pakistan . Good incentive ,,inspiring and motivation for the girls in education. We should bring more women in the forefront of state and private organizations,, where and when they deserve , Good for Islamic Republic of Pakistan for its international image.Why not women when and where men are failing .It is fair
@Lofted Shot: - youre spot on !
the generals speak of "strategic depth" - it's a number - either number of weapons or geographically, the number ( size ) of the country , measured in whatever way
here we may say pakistan lacks the depth to choose from
no one else around suitably qualified ? - well - sherry rehman , please come back !
smart move .she is capable for this post .Also it shows civil - military is not as bad as it looks
Mushaid Hussain Syed could have been better choice for this important position.
I wish our governemnt could appoint qualified profesionals for the important job of ambassadorship, and not on the political or other basis.. May Allah bless our leaders with wisdom..
Beautiful choice.
pakistan promoting women is good thing for the world, we want to see more beautiful ladies onboard.
Both India and Pakistan have women as Ambassadors to the US ...
She knows how to satisfy Americans.
A good choice and this appointment is good for her safety as well.
A civilian resigns on a rumor, a general stays even when OBL pops out under his nose. I hate to say but Gillani got this one right, very good choice. (and yes Sethi was wrong!)
Return of the old PPP guard?
Could the President have endorsed her - dont think so
Not a bad choice given her recent work with her think tank. Plus it projects a softer image of Pakistan
i don't think that this is a wise decision. only time will tell,fingers crossed
Reading the comments it is unfortunate that what a immature and childish way of thinking we have. All the comments are based on her as a personality. Nobody is analyzing or even thinking that what has she been selected for. In my opinion she may be be good and competent person but I do not think that her EXPERIENCE and QUALIFICATION fits in with the job,especially keeping in mind the country being USA with which our relationship has always been fragile and the peak level being in the recent times.
In my opinion, as any person who is totally new would take a while to settle and be dependent on others (very important factor in a place like USA) therefore, ideally the new ambassador should have been a diplomat or if somebody else thn a person who had a taste of such works or is atleast acquainted with the environment.
Fozia Wahab may be the rit One ..!
@Habibullah: As if Sherry Rehman has to cook and clean! But seriously, are you even employed or do you live on khairat? You do not even have the basic self-confidence that allows one to be polite to others. Women are definitely a threat to weak men like you.
Zardardi has a good business mind... Good choice... females are arising and taking key positions.....
charm offensive continues , but she also got guts .Shrewed move by Zardari to keep her from exiting.
A good and brave decision. So PPP has still got something in them to stand up for themselves and the civilian rule. I was fearing a general or a FO Babu.
What nonsense. Musharraf should have been made ambassador!
AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. We're doomed.
Three girls now Hina, Sherry and one in only "Miss Firdous"
Leave diplomacy to diplomats, thats all I'd say! Our rulers have a reputation of destroying the civil services. First, Ayub Khan who fired 60 officials, then Yahya Khan who fired 313, then Bhutto who destroyed 1400 civil servants and Musharraf with his devolution plan of 2001. And this? This is a slap in the face of Civil Services Of Pakistan-
Good move by Zardari. Rahman is an intelligent woman and will serve the country and the civilians. I can already see them plotting against her! good luck, Sherry and watch your back!
The PPP has chosen to reward a lady who stabbed the party in the back in March 2009 thinking that the system will be wrapped up and then earlier this year promoted a report through her think tank, Jinnah Institute, the viewpoint of the "Foreign Policy Elite" of the country which was nothing but reprinting of the strategic depth policy of our military establishment.
It was face saving by PPP in my opinion. Instead of appointing a General, they have appointed someone who at least belongs to them physically but is close to the heart the military.
Grammarians Ziandabad, by the way!!!!
She couldn't come out of her house since Mullah's were after her head, now she can spend a few years in USA with peace of mind. But what a tragedy with this country, PPP is Purely poorly pathetic !
this looks like a method to tone down Haqqani's forced removal. Sherry's appointment looks like a quid pro quo between Kiyani and presidency but favoring the GHQ. Sherry's latest activities at her institute were close to GHQ's perspective
Young inexperienced Hina is now the boss of Sherry? Anyways a good choice and a good replacement to the very good HH. Seems like the civilian empire strikes back over the Military.
President, Mr. Asif Zardari has taken the right decision. If he is coming to terms with the old guard of the PPP, then kudos for him. If not, then hopefully better sense will start to prevail and he will rid the government of wayward and banal politicians. Salams
@Habibullah:
misogynistic cavemen belong in historybooks.it's time our men joined the 21st century.
strong textGood choice by the President. Only shows that the President is capable of making the right decision under pressure. Shaheed BiBi would have approved it. Congratulations to Sherry. She will do a good job after Hussain Haqqani.
GREAT Decision! (after her brave stance for amendments to blasphemy law, she is the right person to man the US-Pakistani fort)
Atleast PM Gilani could now say with confidence that there was at-least one appropriate* decision that i took in my entire tenure. Good Luck Ms. Rehman !!!
P.S. *appropriate = best available option out of the lot; has nothing to do with PM's brains
I think she is the best option because she has a very wide knowledge of international affairs. All praise for Ms. Rehman.
Sherry Rehman will no doubt make a distinguished, eloquent, proactive and enterprising ambassador. Although I can't help but suspect that this is also a way to distance her from the domestic political storm that is brewing within the PPP. I agree with IZ, she could serve the country much better (read: help counter Zardari's hegemony within the PPP). And Maliha Lodhi served with such distinction in her position as ambassador to the US that she would have made a fitting replacement for Haqqani.
Good luck to Sherry Rehman. She inherits a global portfolio of issues, chief amongst which also includes improving ties with India through their ambassador Nirupama Rao.
A gutsy lady Sherry Rahman. Excellent choice. All the nightly pundits were totally off target.
Well an army general was a thousand times better option than Sherry Rehman.She's an aide of Mr Zardari.Why should we be so happy on her appointment?
PPP is actually facing problems with in the party. many major politicians of PPP have left it and there is chances that many may go. mrs rehman was also totally out of scene after she left the information and broadcasting ministry seat. now, PPP wants her to give some output to party. i dont think that it is a good choice to appoint her, because it is more probable that she will forget the country interests and start compaigning for her party PPP like haqani did.
after hina rabbani miss sherry great to know
A very good choice. These smart women are much better than some men. She has the experience of running a senior office and the poise to grace it.
Given that she is one of Pakistan's best legislators I would have preferred that she remain here rather than getting caught up in the mess of US-Pakistani relations. Still, lets hope something comes of it.
i am so thrilled...
Good move by Zardari
A good decision by our government for a change. Found the right person for this tough job. Good luck to her.
Congratulation with best luck
! this is a shocker!
Good Decision. She will be a good ambassador beside that she deserves it.
Sherry is a good orator and communicator but she is a person with very strong views on international affairs. I wonder how she would be helpful in improving the sordid situation.
Wonderful, of all the people they choose her to be the ambassador...good she'll feel right at home there...
The toughest jobs in Pakistan are handled by women. Certainly looks that way.
Pity. It should have been a mullah next.
A Perfect Choice!
Good choice...she is a sensible woman with real substance... am happy for her :)
Looks like Najam Sethi got this one wrong last night. The confrontation continues.