WASHINGTON, June 7: Pakistan’s ambassador in Washington, Dr Maleeha Lodhi, declined to comment on Friday on reports in a section of the press that she was likely to replace Mr Abdul Sattar as foreign minister.

The reports said Mr Sattar had submitted his resignation to Gen Pervez Musharraf, saying he wanted to leave office due to health reasons.

Dr Lodhi’s name was mentioned among those likely to succeed Mr Sattar. The other names mentioned were those of the present foreign secretary, Mr Inamul Haq, and former foreign secretary Najmuddin Shaikh.

Mr Sattar had been keeping a low profile for the past several months, and senior US administration officials (like Secretary of State Colin Powell) who wanted to get through to the military leadership would talk directly to Gen Musharraf.