In a major reshuffle in Pakistan's Foreign Affairs Ministry, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday appointed Munir Akram as Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, replacing Maleeha Lodhi.
Akram has served as Pakistan's permanent representative to the UN previously as well, holding the office for six years between 2002 and 2008. Lodhi has held the office of Pakistan's envoy to the UN since February 2015, the Foreign Office announced.
The sudden announcement comes a day after Imran Khan and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi returned to Pakistan after wrapping up their visit to the US to attend the 74th session of the UN General Assembly.
Lodhi had accompanied Imran Khan at a number of his engagements in New York during the UNGA. The government did not provide a reason for the replacement of Lodhi. She has not been assigned any other portfolio as of now.
Following the announcement, Lodhi took to Twitter to say that she is grateful to have had the opportunity to represent the country for over four years.
