ISLAMABAD   -  Prime Minister Imran Khan has approved the name of former AJK President Sardar Masood Ahmed Khan as Pakistan’s next ambassador to United States of America.

Sources in the Foreign Office have confirmed that the summary for the appointment of Masood Khan has been approved by the Prime Minister in consultation with Foreign Minister and his national security team.

Incumbent Ambassador of Pakistan in Washington Dr Asad Majeed Khan is near to completing his three-year tenure and expected to return by the mid year 2022.

Official sources confirmed that several names were under consideration including NSA Dr Moeed Yousaf for Pakistan’s most important diplomatic position in Washington.

US has also announced its Ambassador to Islamabad after a period of almost three years.

The appointment of Masood Khan comes at a time when bilateral relations between Islamabad and Washington are at the lowest level.

A source familiar with the process of the appointment of Masood Khan as new Ambassador to Washington said Masood Khan is the most suitable person to hold this position as he has rich experience in bilateral and multilateral diplomacy at important stations and knows how to counter Indian propaganda and project Pakistan’s true narrative in Washington.

Dr Asad Majeed Khan name is strongly considered for the position of foreign secretary along with Ambassador Moinul Haq who is currently Pakistan Ambassador to Beijing.

Foreign Secretary Sohail Mehmood would complete his term next year and would retire.

If Moinul Haq is approved for foreign secretary position then Dr Asad could be sent to Beijing as Pakistan Ambassador.