Pakistan appoints new ambassador to US

Islamabad, May 12 (UNI) Maj Gen (Retd) Mahmud Ali Durrani has been appointed as Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, said a statement issued by the foreign office in Islamabad.

Durrani replaces General (retd) Jehangir Karamat.

Durrani graduated from Pakistan Military Academy in 1961 and has served in various Command and Staff and Instructional appointments during his military career.

He attended a mid-career Armour course in USA in 1973 and the Basic Airborne Course from Fort Benning, USA 1982.

He also served as Pakistan Defence and Military Attache in Washington from 1977 to 1982. Durrani also served as Chairman and Chief Executive of Pakistan Ordnance Factories Board (POF) from 1992-1998.

After retirement from Army, he was actively involved in working towards peace between India and Pakistan as a member of the dedicated group of Pakistanis and Indians.

He, as part of a process sponsored by the United Nations, also worked with senior ex-officials from the US, Russia and Iran to find a peaceful settlement of the Afghan crisis.

Major General (Retd) Durrani served for three years in the Governing Council of the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS), London (2001-2004).

UNI XC SY RS2116