NEW YORK: Munir Akram has taken charge of Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) after the departure of Maleeha Lodhi, Media reported
on Saturday.
The envoy replaced Maleeha Lodhi after completion of her tenure at the global peace and security maintenance body.
Munir Akram is a well-known figure in diplomatic circles who had served as Pakistan’s envoy to the UN previously as well, holding the office for six years
between 2002 and 2008.
He had also served at the Pakistani missions in various world capitals including Brussels and Tokyo besides holding various positions in the foreign ministry.
Earlier on Friday, Maleeha had departed to London after ending her tenure. She met the President of UN General assembly, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande before
departing and vacating the seat for the next ambassador, Munir Akram.
She reiterated Pakistan’s stance with regards to the illegal annexation of Kashmir and demanded the world take note of usurped rights and human tragedies
occurring in the landlocked valley. She also said that it was a responsibility of the UN to resolve the lingering dispute between two nuclear armed countries
according to the resolutions on the region which have been passed by the very institute. Lodhi also said that Kashmiri hopes and desires should be kept at the
forefront of any decision on the matter and their consent be given the topmost priority in the decision of the fate their land.
