Shirin Tahir-Kheli to succeed Inderfurth?

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, JAN. 10 Speculation is rife in the Pakistani press that Dr. Shirin Tahir-Kheli, a noted diplomat and academician, could be the next United States Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia replacing Mr. Karl Inderfurth.

It all began a week ago when the Washington Bureau of APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), the official news agency of Pakistan, put out a report on the possibility Dr. Tahir-Kheli being chosen for the prestigious assignment.

The Pakistan English daily, Dawn, has reported from Washington that the speculation has now surfaced in the mainstream US media.

The paper has said the `diplomatic row' column in Tuesday's Washington Times has taken note of the speculation in the Indian and Pakistani papers focusing Dr. Tahir-Kheli as the likely nominee for the post now held by Mr. Inderfurth.

``Pakistan-American groups are lobbying for her appointment and the Pakistani Ambassador, Ms. Maleeha Lodhi, also supports her,'' the Dawn said quoting from the column.

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Section  : International
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