ISLAMABAD: The government has yet to initiate selection process for appointing Pakistan’s new ambassador and permanent representative to the Geneva-based World Trade Organisation (WTO).
The term of incumbent Ambassador to WTO Shahid Bashir is to expire on August 16, 2014. He was already given one-year extension after expiry of his contract in August 2013.
According to a source, the commerce ministry has sent a summary to the Prime Minister Secretariat two months ago to initiate selection process for the prestigious slot.”But the ministry has yet to get a go-ahead from the secretariat”.
The post of ambassador to WTO was created in 2002. Earlier, ambassador to Switzerland used to represent Pakistan at the WTO as well.
Two senior government officials were approaching the government to be posted against the slot. Many federal secretaries hailing from Lahore are aspiring to get the post.
The government has already extended the tenure of the deputy head of Pakistan Mission at Geneva, who may be given additional charge until the finalisation of new ambassador.
