Tension mounts as Gilani fires three ambassadors

[LahoreEstate]

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani terminated with immediate affect the services of three ambassadors-at-large appointed during the previous Musharraf regime.


The shock announcement severs government ties with Sharifuddin Pirzada, Ahsanullah Khan and Hameed Kidwai.

Officials close to the Prime Minister told DawnNews that the sackings reflect the government’s resolve to purge the administration of the remnants of Musharraf era.

These officials said the premier believes that the sacked ambassadors had served dictatorship and therefore, could not be friends of democracy.

The sacked ambassadors had enjoyed official protocol at state expense for a long time after being inducted by Musharraf.

Also earlier today, Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mehmood Ahmad called on Mr Gilani and apprised him of measures taken by the PAF to optimize its effectiveness and efficiency.

The prime minister said that the government would provide all necessary resources for the upgradation of PAF’s professional capabilities.

http://www.dawn.net/wps/wcm/connect/Dawn...sadors--il