Bashir takes over as Pakistan's new foreign secretary
Pakistan's ambassador to China, Salman Bashir, assumed charge as the country's new foreign secretary, replacing Riaz Muhammad Khan.
By PTI |
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's ambassador to China, Salman Bashir, on Saturday assumed charge as the country's new foreign secretary, replacing Riaz Muhammad Khan.
The change comes barely three weeks ahead of the resumption of the crucial composite dialogue process with India.
Bashir, a carrier diplomat, joined Pakistan's foreign service in February 1976 and has served as ambassador to China and Denmark. He also served as additional foreign secretary for the Asia-Pacific region.
Reports have suggested that Khan, who was scheduled to participate in talks with Indian Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon later this month to review the last round of the composite dialogue, was replaced because of his opposition to the Pakistan government's decision to seek a UN-led probe into former premier Benazir Bhutto's assassination.
The Foreign Office, however, has said Khan stepped down due to personal reasons.
The change comes barely three weeks ahead of the resumption of the crucial composite dialogue process with India.
Bashir, a carrier diplomat, joined Pakistan's foreign service in February 1976 and has served as ambassador to China and Denmark. He also served as additional foreign secretary for the Asia-Pacific region.
Reports have suggested that Khan, who was scheduled to participate in talks with Indian Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon later this month to review the last round of the composite dialogue, was replaced because of his opposition to the Pakistan government's decision to seek a UN-led probe into former premier Benazir Bhutto's assassination.
The Foreign Office, however, has said Khan stepped down due to personal reasons.
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