Diplomatic departures: Fate of 15 ambassadors hangs in balance after Sherry’s exit

New govt may replace representatives in India, UK, UAE and UN.

ISLAMABAD:

The fate of as many as 15 Ambassadors appointed by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government hangs in the balance following the May 11 elections, which put the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) firmly in the driver’s seat.

During the weekly briefing on Thursday, foreign ministry spokesperson Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry confirmed that the term in office, of contract based ambassadors, ended with the completion of the PPP-led government.

However, the caretaker prime minister had decided that all political appointees in the foreign office would continue to serve until the new government takes charge, Chaudhry added.

Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States Sherry Rehman was the only such appointee who tendered her resignation following her party’s drubbing in the recent polls.

Other ambassadors currently serving in 14 countries including India, United Arab Emirates (UAE), United Kingdom (UK), Sri Lanka and the United Nations have not resigned in the hope that the PML-N government may renew their contracts.

Answering a question, the spokesman said the Deputy Head of Mission Dr Asad Majeed would take over until the incoming government appoints an ambassador to the US.

Chinese PM’s visit

Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang will visit Pakistan from May 22 to 23 on the invitation of President Asif Zardari, confirmed the spokesperson.

The visit will provide an opportunity for Premier Li to meet the president, the caretaker prime minister as well as incoming premier Nawaz Sharif.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 17^th, 2013.