Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani is likely to be named envoy to the United States.
Jilani, a career diplomat, has served as ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union and also did a stint in New Delhi as deputy high commissioner.
An official announcement is expected soon in this regard.
The post has been lying vacant since former envoy Sherry Rehman, a stalwart supporter of the Pakistan People’s Party, resigned in May following her party’s defeat in the general election.
Nawaz Sharif visited the US last month for the UN General Assembly and is scheduled to meet President Barack Obama on October 23.
Many analysts have spoken about the urgent need for appointing an envoy to the US.
Jilani has specialised in South Asian affairs and served as director India during 1992-1995, deputy high commissioner to New Delhi during 1999-2003 and director general for South Asia and SAARC during 2003-07.
