Ali Jahangir Siddiqui takes charge as Ambassador in US, 48 hours before end of government in Islamabad
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WASHINGTON: Ali Jahangir Siddiqui took charge as Pakistan's ambassador to the United States on Wednesday barely 48 hours before the end of government in Islamabad.
Siddiqui arrived in Washington, DC Monday night ahead of his swearing-and replaced outgoing Ambassador Aizaz Chaudhry, the former foreign secretary who served as Pakistan's envoy to the US before his retirement last month.
He was welcomed at the airport by Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, the deputy chief of Pakistan Mission to the US.
Siddiqui assumes office just a few days ahead of the completion of the incumbent Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government's term.
The US Department of State took almost two months — otherwise, a routine — to send out an agreement to pave the way for the new ambassador's appointment.
Siddiqui has to present his credentials to US President Donald Trump in the coming weeks to be fully operational to perform his duties. He has daunting challenges to surmount ahead as well, given the souring US-Pakistan ties.
