Maleeha Lodhi served Pakistan with distinction and commitment: FO spokesperson

The Foreign Office on Friday dispelled the notion that Dr. Maleeha Lodhi was removed as Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York for some reason.

“There is no truth whatsoever in insinuation that Dr. Maleeha Lodhi was ‘removed’ for any reason,” Spokesperson Dr. Muhammad Faisal tweeted.

“She completed her tenure and as FM has said, she served Pakistan with distinction and commitment and organized the Prime Minister’s successful UNGA visit with skill and dedication,” he added.

In a major reshuffle on Sept 30, Prime Minister Imran Khan had appointed Ambassador Munir Akram as Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations in place of Dr. Maleeha, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office.

Prime Minister Khan also approved other key appointments as Khalil Ahmad Hashmi, who was serving as director general (UN) at the foreign ministry was appointed as Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN in Geneva.

The foreign ministry on Monday said Munir Akram is due to replace Dr. Maleeha Lodhi as Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations.

Munir Akram, who has previously served at the same post from 2002 to 2008, would be stationed at the UN’s New York headquarters.

He specializes in multilateral diplomacy with considerable experience over the years at the UN’s New York and Geneva chapters.