Russia changes envoy in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: In an important diplomatic development, Russia has changed its experienced ambassador in Pakistan Danila V. Ganich. He has been transferred to the Kremlin for the next assignment.

Interestingly, Pakistan recently changed its ambassador for Russia when Shafqat Ali Khan was posted as Additional Foreign Secretary in Islamabad. Khalid Jamali has been appointed ambassador to Russia and he is yet to present his credentials to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Jamali has reached Moscow.

Well-placed diplomatic sources told The News here Monday that Danila Ganich would return to Moscow next month after spending four and a half years in Islamabad while Pakistan has granted ‘agrement’ (consent for diplomatic appointment) for his replacement in Islamabad.

The new Russian ambassador’s name will be made public as soon as the current diplomat leaves Pakistan. According to sources, the new envoy is currently working in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the branch dealing with Pakistan and the region. He is currently receiving relevant briefings, sources added.