Govt likely to appoint PM’s friend Sahibzada Jahangir as envoy to UK

–Incumbent HC Sahebzada Ahmed Khan has been summoned at FO over ‘inappropriate behaviour’ at London event

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government is likely to appoint Sahibzada Jahangir, a close friend of Prime Minister Imran Khan, as Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK) after the incumbent envoy, Sahebzada Ahmed Khan, has been told to report to the Foreign Office on misconduct charges, media reports said on Saturday.

According to reports, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has directed Sahebzada Ahmed Khan to report at the Foreign Office in Islamabad after an “irresponsible activity” at an awards ceremony.

I am dismayed by the actions of our High Commissioner to the UK and have asked him to return to Pakistan and provide an explanation for his behaviour at the IPPA awards held in London.

— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) September 13, 2018

Sahebzada Ahmed Khan took charge in London as Pakistan’s High Commissioner around two months ago. He was reportedly involved in inappropriate actions during an awards show, which was attended by a large number of Pakistani celebrities.

The incident took place during a local media outlet’s event held at London’s O2 Arena on September 9, wherein the diplomat was called on stage to announce the winner of an award category. In a video clip that was shared on social media, the UK envoy’s actions raised concerns in the Foreign Office.

The foreign minister said, “I am dismayed by the actions of our High Commissioner to the UK and have asked him to return to Pakistan and provide an explanation for his behaviour at the IPPA awards held in London, directing him to return to the homeland to submit his explanation.”

‘PM’S ALLY TO BE REPLACEMENT’:

According to the report, the PTI government is likely to appoint Sahibzada Jahangir as Pakistan’s high commissioner to the UK as he “understands the vision of Imran Khan well and his posting at the important station like London could help Imran Khan’s government at a time when relations with America have frozen but ties with Britain remain cordial.”

The report said that there are precedents of political appointees representing Pakistan at high commissions and embassies overseas and Sahibzada Jahangir could be the ideal choice for the post. He is reportedly supported and trusted by the senior PTI leadership.

SAHIBZADA JAHANGIR:

Jahangir is the elder brother of former PTI leader Fauzia Kasuri and is a respected member of the British-Pakistani community who helped PM Khan form the party and funded it at its inception.

He has held various assignments in the UK, chairman of Imran Khan secretariat, senior adviser to PTI chairman on investments and head of PTI UK and Europe. He has served as a senior advisor to the PTI chairman on foreign trade, investment and development.

Generally considered as the face of PTI in the UK, he has been travelling extensively in the UK and Europe to hold party meetings. He has also travelled with Imran Khan all over the world for Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital fundraising.

Moreover, he is considered a close ally of Aneel Musarrat, a member of the premier’s task force on building 5 million homes.