US blocks Pakistan ambassador Masood Khan’s appointment; big blow to Imran Khan admin

Pakistan faced a massive global embarrassment as the United States blocked the appointment of a new Pakistan ambassador due to possible terror links. Republic Media Network accessed US Congressman Scott Perry's letter written to President Joe Biden urging him to reject Masood Khan as the next ambassador from Pakistan over possible terror links. Pakistan's nominated ambassador is also said to have supported Burhan Wani.

"While I am encouraged that the State Department has reportedly placed a pause on approving Masood Khan as the new Ambassador from Pakistan, a pause is not enough. I urge you to reject any diplomatic credentials presented to you by Masood Khan and reject any effort by the Government of Pakistan to install this jihadist as Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States," the letter by Scott Perry to US President read.

Scott Perry's letter

Scott Perry believes that the hold on the appointment of Masood Khan is insufficient. In the letter, he encouraged President Biden to reject any diplomatic credentials submitted by Masood Khan, as well as any attempt by the Pakistani government to appoint the terrorist as Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States.

Scott Perry calls Pak envoy 'genuine terrorist sympathiser'

In the letter, he also stated that the Imran Khan government's nomination of a 'genuine terrorist sympathiser' working to undermine US interests in the region, as well as the security of US ally India, can only be described as a 'breathtaking lack of judgement at best'. He went on to say that, at worst, this demonstrates Islamabad's utter contempt for the United States.

Scott Perry's letter

Earlier this week US State Department had not rejected Masood Khan's nomination. The media agency reported citing the source that Washington has requested more time for his clearance. Masood Khan's nomination was sent by Pakistan's Foreign Office in November of last year. It was intended to be authorised in eight weeks under the standard diplomatic procedure. According to The Nation, the State Department has requested extra time for his clearance.

Masood Khan began his goodbye meetings in December of last year. However, due to a delay in his approval by the State Department, he has just halted his meetings. Masood Khan has finished his preparations to take up his ambassadorial job in Washington during a difficult moment for Pakistan-US ties, according to ANI, which cited sources close to him.

Image: AP/@MASOOD_KHAN/Twitter