Outgoing Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Maleeha Lodhi. PHOTO: TWITTER
The statement comes days after Ambassador Munir Akram replaced Maleeha Lodhi following Prime Minister Imran Khan's US visit, which was seen as surprising and ignited speculations about the possible reasons for her removal.
"She[Lodhi] completed her tenure and as FM [foreign minister] has said, she served Pakistan with distinction and commitment and organised the Prime Minister’s successful UNGA visit with skill and dedication," FO spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal said in a tweet on Friday.
There is no truth whatsoever in insinuations that Dr Maleeha Lodhi was ‘removed’ for any reason. She completed her tenure and as FM has said, she served Pakistan with distinction and commitment and organised the Prime Minister’s successful UNGA visit with skill and dedication.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 4, 2019
Munir Akram replaces Maleeha Lodhi as Pakistan's ambassador to UN
In a press briefing on Thursday, Dr Faisal had also deplored what he described as “slander campaign” against newly-appointed UN envoy.
“Unfortunately, there has been a slander campaign against the appointment of Ambassador Munir Akram, which is reprehensible,” the spokesperson said, adding, “It must be noted that he [Munir Akram] is a distinguished and experienced member of Foreign Service of Pakistan and an eminent diplomat.”
Dr Faisal also said that the newly-appointed envoy will soon assume his duties in New York and added that his contributions are “internationally acknowledged and recognized”.
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