PM Abbasi okays Ali J. Siddiqui's appointment as US ambassador
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The federal government has decided to appoint Ali Jahangir Siddiqui, son of prominent businessman Jahangir Siddiqui, as Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States, DawnNewsTV reported on Thursday.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi approved the appointment, sources said. Ali had been serving Abbasi as a special assistant, advising the prime minister on economic and business matters.
Siddiqui is chairman of JS Bank Ltd and son of stockbroker-turned-banker Jahangir Siddiqui.
He has previously been a director in Airblue — which is also connected to the prime minister's family — Lucky Cement, Azgard Nine, and numerous other companies.
He will replace Aizaz Chaudhry in Washington, a career diplomat who previously served as foreign secretary before being appointed the ambassador to the US.
Chaudhry's career as a foreign service officer spans 36 years of multilateral and bilateral experience. He served as foreign secretary of Pakistan from December 2013 to March 2017, and previously served as spokesperson of the foreign ministry.
In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chaudhry had served as additional foreign secretary of UN and disarmament affairs, and as director general of relations with South Asian countries.
Chaudhry's other overseas assignments include Pakistan's deputy permanent representative to the UN in New York and as ambassador to the Netherlands.
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On DawnNews
Comments (100) Closed
Mar 08, 2018 03:03pm
Mafia type decisions. Its to protect and favour jahangir siddiqui and their touts
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Mar 08, 2018 03:04pm
Bravo! Is there Merit anywhere?
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Mar 08, 2018 03:07pm
Zero experience. What do you think will happen to our interests? Instead of shooting ourselves in the foot, lefts just go for the head now.
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Mar 08, 2018 03:12pm
What's this guys qualification in foreign diplomacy?
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Mar 08, 2018 03:13pm
Very sad, Indeed very poor, A Chief investor officer of a minor bank has been named as a diplomat. we request you to please stop these moves.
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Mar 08, 2018 03:13pm
This is another example of wrong person at very crucial assignment. Where is the merit?? What qualification he has for this post?
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Mar 08, 2018 03:13pm
Good decision. All the Ambassadors need to be replaced by competent and result oriented people.
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Mar 08, 2018 03:15pm
No background in diplomacy, another unfortunate decision.
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Mar 08, 2018 03:16pm
Good move. Aizaz type typical babus have completely failed to deliver. Fresh blood and new generation is more suited for Pakistan.
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Mar 08, 2018 03:16pm
Governance of nepotism. Aim is to get the best financial benefit whilst you are in.
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Mar 08, 2018 03:20pm
NS & Co is distributing the posts like spoils of war. This appointment should be resisted to. NS is appointing his own Hussain Haqqani.
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Mar 08, 2018 03:24pm
SC... once again please come forward to un-do this act....
it seems as if our political elite consider this country as their family run business...
No merit, no accountability, no transparency but only democracy!!! what a farce!!!!
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Mar 08, 2018 03:30pm
This is called MADNESS.
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Mar 08, 2018 03:30pm
Where is the merit in this? No experience in diplomacy this guy has?
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Mar 08, 2018 03:40pm
Any information on his education and experience in world affairs. Or closeness to the PM is enough.
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Mar 08, 2018 03:45pm
bad choice
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Mar 08, 2018 03:54pm
Election year. political appointment ....
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Mar 08, 2018 03:54pm
It will fire back, soon in caretakers Government, this appointment will be withdrawn, I think this young man is choice of Nawaz Sharif who wants to continue his Agreement with Lobbying firm on Government expenses. This agreement is totally against Pakistan.
Can NAB or SC ask for the a copy of agreement abd cancel it if being paid by Government of Pakistan and recover the paid dollars?
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Mar 08, 2018 04:01pm
Instead of getting better it is getting to worst! A family rep will replace a professional. what a shame!
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Mar 08, 2018 04:08pm
If there is any country that needs a career diplomat as our ambassador with years of experience , it certainly is USA . Ali J. Siddiqui seems a novice. But then in Palkistan merit is a seldom criteria.
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Mar 08, 2018 04:10pm
Looking after themselves and the clan
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Mar 08, 2018 04:13pm
It should not be a surprise why we are losing diplomatically at international level
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Mar 08, 2018 04:15pm
A young guy with no diplomatic experience has been picked up for a post which must be held by a highly experienced career diplomat. Ali Jehangir Siddiqui has been a business partner of Khaqan Abbasi and he needs someone in America to watch business interests. It has nothing to do with national interest. Chief Justice should take suo motu notice of his action and ensue that outsiders are not thrust into positions that must be taken up by career diplomats. Khaqan Abbasi has take full advantage of his position and got his sister elected as a senator. Khaqan Abbasi is quickly settling down his relatives and business partners before he hands over affairs of the state to interim government.
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Mar 08, 2018 04:16pm
Poor pakistan. When relations with USA in doldrums, the need is strong well versed diplomtic hand with very good experience in USa/ UN related fields. but what happens is..!!!
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Mar 08, 2018 04:17pm
Nepotism and favoritism as this individual has no credentials for this important post !
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Mar 08, 2018 04:18pm
Jehangir Company has been involved in malpractices and corruption in past !
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Mar 08, 2018 04:22pm
He has worked at his airline. Is not that good enough an experience? If someone who had worked at old peoples home, can become chairman of NBP, why not him an ambassador?
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Mar 08, 2018 04:25pm
No comparison between previous and new Envoy. Then why?
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Mar 08, 2018 04:36pm
Are you kidding me? What has Ali Jahangir Siddiqui done to become ambassador to US? pathetic .
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Mar 08, 2018 04:38pm
Welcome to the club of nepotism, contacts and connections what foundation is based on the famous saying, "you scratch my back, I will scratch yours."
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Mar 08, 2018 04:41pm
Should use brain for such high profile postings
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Mar 08, 2018 04:48pm
Good decision. Need to acknowledge the guts of the government to take this decision.
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Mar 08, 2018 04:53pm
A simple BA from Cornell and experience in diplomacy and international relations seems like very bad credentials .
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Mar 08, 2018 04:57pm
Ali Jahangir Siddiqui, son of prominent businessman Jahangir Siddiqu...and associated to PM.
What else qualification do you need??
Pakistan wants to insult US. What a better way to send him as Ambassador.
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Mar 08, 2018 04:57pm
That’s why our relationship with US is at the lowest . Childish attitude towards International relations and diplomacy !
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Mar 08, 2018 05:01pm
Its a pity.
Don't we have experienced officers in foreign ministry to handle this most fragile appointment
Being ambassador in USA is not a training ground.
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Mar 08, 2018 05:25pm
There should be a constitutional amendment to prevent political appointees from obtaining ambassadorial posts. Diplomats work for 30+ years to qualify for these positions on merit to serve Pakistan. How can you justify picking your family & friends? Is that even legal?
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Mar 08, 2018 05:27pm
Bad decision.It should have been a career diplomat.
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Mar 08, 2018 05:28pm
Who needs enemies with we have Nawaz/Zardari mafia we must get rid of them along with like mentality looters.
IndoPak Blood Brothers 4 Life!
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Mar 08, 2018 05:28pm
Merit and Pakistan are two ends of the opposite side.
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Mar 08, 2018 05:28pm
So the fine art of diplomacy will be run be a businessman having links with the PM! Its keeps on getting better under PML-N.
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Mar 08, 2018 05:41pm
What is his experience in foriegn services? Foreign office employees should challenge this decision in court.
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Mar 08, 2018 05:48pm
Can I see this guys resume ?
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Mar 08, 2018 05:52pm
They are just granting the leverages to their own favorite people. Disgusting .
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Mar 08, 2018 05:54pm
Position should go to a career diplomate within the foreign services.
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Mar 08, 2018 06:03pm
This is why we are gaining international support on almost any issue either with India or Afghanistan. Pakistan is very alone on international scene because of our policies in the region. India’s Ambassador to the USA is an intellectual and author of books and now we have our new ambassador.
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Mar 08, 2018 06:10pm
Someone with absolutely zero diplomatic or foreign service experience being assigned the most crucial diplomatic job at the most crucial time, just because he comes from a connected background. Keep up the good work PML N
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Mar 08, 2018 06:16pm
Pakistan is facing the worst form of monarchy under corrupt PMLN.
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Mar 08, 2018 06:26pm
Let him enjoy the comforts of the West for a while.
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Mar 08, 2018 06:26pm
Will do good with Trump.
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Mar 08, 2018 06:28pm
Replacing a career and seasoned diplomat with a business man who has zero foreign service experience and that too for he Ambassador position in the USA. A highly flawed decision. Unbelievable. I am shaking my head in disbelief!
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Mar 08, 2018 06:31pm
@Troubled so true
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Mar 08, 2018 06:37pm
He is Mir Shakilur Rehmans son in law?
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Mar 08, 2018 06:43pm
He has no diplomatic experience. Americans will eat him any day.
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Mar 08, 2018 06:49pm
PM Abbasi okays Ali J. Siddiqui's appointment as US ambassador... veto power... no approval necessary from the Senate of assembly...i follow my rules it is my game
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Mar 08, 2018 06:54pm
Very good choice by the PM. Younger generation with world exposure and international education need to be in leadership positions for better tomorrow. It is time for old guard and old thought process to be replaced
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Mar 08, 2018 06:59pm
Favouratism!
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Mar 08, 2018 07:16pm
A career diplomat should be appointed as an ambassador for the important countries.
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Mar 08, 2018 07:40pm
Another corny of Nawaz Sharif is appointed at a very important position, so that the appointee can advocate NS's ideology of corruption, fake news and bribing people for personal advantages. These dirty tactics will not work this time, because, world knows about NS's corrupt practices and hypocrisy!
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Mar 08, 2018 07:48pm
Tell us what is his experience as a diplomat. USA ambassador is a very important job not suited for a business man. You need a carrier diplomat and learned person to fill this position.
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Mar 08, 2018 07:57pm
In our population of 200 million people, is he the most qualified and experienced person for this important posting?
Why was an experienced career diplomat not considered?
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Mar 08, 2018 08:23pm
Too many conflicts of interest here.
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Mar 08, 2018 08:29pm
This difficult post requires a seasoned career diplomat not an inexperienced young political appointment.
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Mar 08, 2018 08:35pm
Can't get worse than this!
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Mar 08, 2018 09:01pm
Foreign policy is run by the military, why does it matter what the Ambassador's qualification is?
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Mar 08, 2018 09:08pm
This is mind boggling!!!
Ali was a director in Azguard and you just need to google the company to know what kind of scandals it ran into and how the banks lost their money which was either written off or they still chasing the group.
His private equity fund ran into issues over allegations that one of the investee company's CEO was actually his front man and there were allegations of him giving his family office preference over the Fund.
His is related naturally because of Air Blue
Is the PML-N so deaf and blind that it does not understand the meaning of "Conflict of Interest" or "Hey let's just make sure that the guy is in impeccable standing first before making him ambassador to US"??
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Mar 08, 2018 09:35pm
Non serious attitude towards international relations !
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Mar 08, 2018 09:37pm
There is merit in Pakistan. Best available people are picked from the list of relatives, business partners and the like.
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Mar 08, 2018 10:24pm
Another example if nepotism and corruption. We all know what happens when business people run a country, just look at america.
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Mar 08, 2018 10:46pm
No, we Pakistanis don't approve it. SC should take suo moto action immediately. Please stop this madness and the madness of the PMLN family and group.
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Mar 08, 2018 10:49pm
Zardari has rightly said.that " Democracy is the best revenge"
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Mar 08, 2018 10:51pm
Is this wise? Seems a very arbitrary decision as this Siddiqui seems to have no real qualifications for such a vital post. The Parliament should debate this matter, or refer to SC.
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Mar 08, 2018 11:08pm
There was a need to infuse new blood. Hope he doesn't disappoint us.
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Mar 09, 2018 03:47am
@Muneer But the career diplomats have miserable failed in advancing Pakistan's interest abroad. Presently there is no career diplomat who could be entrusted with the job in Washington. The time has gone when foreign office was manned by competent officers. Majority of the present lot are mediocre.
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Mar 09, 2018 08:44am
@Rahul Little knowledge is dangerous indeed especially from across border!
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Mar 09, 2018 03:03pm
it is amazing that such an important and sensitve post should be given to a non career diplomat. Career diplomats spend their lifes serving Pakistan and when a peach job comes up a non career diplomat gets it. I understand that exceptions are always there but what makes this gentleman as one?
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Mar 09, 2018 03:09pm
The new Ambassadors age is equivalent to the experience of the present incumbent.
So once again and as per habit the Sharif's throw MERIT into the garbage can.
When will they go into the Garbage can , I can only pray for quick riddance.
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Mar 09, 2018 03:32pm
People like Abdul Basit need for this post. But , safarish at his best.
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Mar 09, 2018 05:23pm
Trump is a businessman and a business can better handle him. this might be the consideration of this appointment.
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Mar 09, 2018 05:30pm
good move,now PM has decided to do some buisness diplomacy which is good.its good to do as india is also doing this to creat its loby in US
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Mar 09, 2018 05:31pm
thats what we call buisness diplomacy to creat its loby
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Mar 09, 2018 05:49pm
Mr Ali Jahangir, my advice to you is, withdrawing your nomination for US Ambassadorship is better now, rather calling you back from Washington after a month or two.
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Mar 09, 2018 06:37pm
One again, it displays Nawaz Sharif zero qualifications to take charge as a leader of Pakistan.
He will always appoint people are worse than him so that he can shine.
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Mar 09, 2018 07:03pm
When merit only will be considered as qualification for such high profile sensitive job. Here PM's own man.
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Mar 09, 2018 08:33pm
Mr. Siddiqui could be a successful banker and businessman but foreign services is a different business. It is stunning to hear this announcement and everyone wonders What makes Mr. Ali Siddiqui Qualified for a Foreign Service on a diplomatic mission that is very critical in Pakistan's foreign Policy and relations with USA. Where are our public representatives, they should be questioning the PM for approval of his appointment. How a PM can appoint someone on a key Diplomatic post based on a political grounds and his personal relationship with the PMLN leadership??
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Mar 09, 2018 08:38pm
Excellent choice. Good merit! This will re-inforce PML-N governance and pave the way for 2018 election win.
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Mar 09, 2018 09:09pm
How old is this guy? Looks like a teenager. I guess nepotism 'trumps' the day.
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Mar 09, 2018 09:17pm
Mr. Siddiqui is ok, except that he appears too young.
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Mar 10, 2018 01:07am
All in the family business
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Mar 10, 2018 01:35am
A guy with experience of being "Special Assistant" to Abbasi has been appointed ambassador to the United States! RIP foreign services!
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Mar 10, 2018 01:52am
No surprises - its just another case of nepotism
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Mar 10, 2018 03:09am
What is the qualification of this Urdu speaking behn chaud?
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Mar 10, 2018 04:24am
The Supreme Court of Pakistan should take notice . All State appointments should be made from the relevant service cadres. It is a blatant discrimination against the eligible Foreign Service of Pakistan officers.
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Mar 10, 2018 05:28am
This is not an easy assignment Pakistan needs a very high quality diplomat for this position not a rookie.The present ambassador can and should stay there till elections are held and then the new set up should name a new ambassador this guy can be called back by the new set up so whats the point in appointing him for just a few months..Bad decision by Abbasi..
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Mar 10, 2018 07:36am
Like PPP, PML-N too is a family business, its proven everyday with every appointment, no wonder Pakistan continues to struggle while India is thriving. When you run the government like they run PIA, you are expected to go backwards, oh wait, both are run by the government, and we wonder how we continue to lose billions every onth, continue to take up loans just to pay the ever building interest, not the principle.
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Mar 10, 2018 10:53am
In this situation when Pakistan's relations with USA are dwindling, when the relations have become so complicated. Does the government think that a person with zero diplomatic experience and understanding is fit for the job of Ambassador to US?.
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Mar 10, 2018 11:57am
Reflection of PM quality this nation has!
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Mar 10, 2018 01:21pm
Sad news. At least Dawn had the guts to report this
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Mar 10, 2018 01:22pm
Son of a prominent stockbroker Jahangir Siddiquee who was privy to the stock market crash in Karachi many years back due to personal gain.
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Mar 11, 2018 12:02am
Excellent choice-He has a BA degree from a major Pakistani University and is an expert in wheeling and dealing- just the man we need in the us to talk to Trump.
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