Asif Ali Khan Durrani appointed as the envoy to Afghanistan by the Prime Minister
Islamabad: The federal government has nominated veteran diplomat Asif Ali Khan Durrani as the special envoy on Afghanistan amid strained relations between the neighboring countries.
His nomination was cleared by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif two months after the resignation of Mohammad Sadiq, who held the post for three years.
“The Prime Minister of Pakistan is pleased to approve the appointment of Ambassador (Retd) Asif Ali Khan Durrani as Special Representative on Afghanistan with immediate effect,” the notice said.
After taking charge, Durrani will report immediately to the Prime Minister’s Office. Durrani also spoke to Minister of State for External Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar on Tuesday.
The significant appointment comes as plans to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan are being discussed to improve connectivity with the Central Asian region.