ISLAMABAD, June 17: Pakistan’s former envoy to India Jehangir Ashraf Qazi is being posted as ambassador to the United States.

Sources told Dawn Monday that Mr Qazi would replace Dr Maleeha Lodhi from August this year. These sources said Dr Lodhi had a long-standing arrangement with the government that she would be allowed to leave Washington well ahead of the elections.

Ashraf Qazi, who has already retired, and was serving in New Delhi on an extension of service, is seen as the best choice for the Washington posting. He is considered to be an outstanding diplomat both in skills and knowledge and is highly regarded in the diplomatic circles.

Mr Qazi has served as ambassador in major world capitals, including Moscow and Beijing, and was ambassador to India during the worst phase of Pakistan-India relations recently.