United Nations, Nov 03: With Pakistan due to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations security council in January, Islamabad has replaced its press officer here with an "experienced" official who has worked in a similar capacity here . Mansoor Sohail, who worked as press officer continuously for 11 years before being recalled in 1993, has been posted in place of Rizwan Khan, first woman press officer, whose term has been cut short with officials in Islamabad contending that the recall is the result of her inefficiency.

Pakistani sources here said if there is an attack on Iraq, the council might have to take some crucial decisions after January, some of which might be unpopular in the Islamic world and Islamabad would need to explain its stand. Hence the need for an experienced person. Pakistani press officers come from information ministry and have few diplomatic duties.

Rizwan khan, who did not answer queries to a news agency, however, contested government statement on her inefficiency in the Pakistani and western media and described the move to recall her as a set back to the women in Pakistan.
Bureau Report