Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Five top diplomats are in race for the most important slot of foreign Secretary and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will soon appoint a new foreign secretary who will replace Aizaz Chaudhry, sources told.

Foreign office sources said that the present foreign secretary aizaz chaudhry will resume his new duty of ambassador to USA in February and will replace Jalil Abbas Jillani, whose tenure will be completed in February as well. Nawaz Sharif has to appoint the new foreign secretary among the senior most diplomats and they are all grade 22, officers told Daily Times.

Pakistan High commissioner for India Abdul Basit is the favourite for the post of foreign secretary. Sources told that Abdul Basit has vast experience to deal the diplomatic issues. He has used the skill of political diplomacy to respond Indian allegations.

Pakistan permanent representative in Geneva Tehmina Janjua is another strong candidate for the foreign secretary’s slot.

Sources told that Ibn abbas, Pakistan high commissioner to UK was also in the race and in the good books of government as well whilethe ghalib iqbal, Ambassador of Pakistan in France was also hopeful of being appointed. He has served as chief of protocol as well.

Tasneem Aslam is another strong candidate.