ISLAMABAD, Sept 7: Ambassador Cameron Munter is set to become the next US ambassador to Pakistan, replacing Anne Patterson who has completed her tenure.

Though the White House is yet to announce Mr Munter's posting, it has got Islamabad's concurrence, diplomatic sources told Dawn on Tuesday.

Mr Munter's most recent posting was in Baghdad where he served as the political-military adviser to the US ambassador directing strategic planning and American civil-military coordination during the military drawdown there.

According to his career chart, he has rich experience of working in countries in transition, including stints in Belgrade, Prague and Warsaw. In 2006, he briefly headed provincial reconstruction team in Mosul (Iraq). He has also served in Nato, which is relevant for his current assignment.

Mr Munter, 56, is known for delivering strong messages. After the attack on the US embassy in Belgrade, he, in his capacity as the ambassador, clearly told the host government: “It had better not happen again.” His remarks implied that the Serbian government would be held responsible in case of another attack.

Commenting on Mr Munter's appointment, a diplomatic source said during his previous postings he had played an important role in redefining America's role in countries passing through complicated situations.

Another important indication from Mr Munter's appointment is the continued grip of Richard Holbrooke on America's Af-Pak policy. He has been closely associated with Mr Holbrooke having served in Europe in mid-nineties when the latter headed the Europe desk in the State Department. Mr Munter prematurely left his posting in Serbia to join Ambassador Chris Hill, a Holbrooke protégé, in Baghdad.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Patterson, who completed her three-year term this summer, is expected to get another challenging job.