Sunni Tehreek "not satisfied" with 'anti- blasphemy' Rehman's appointment as Pak envoy to US

Islamabad, Nov 24 (ANI): The Sunni Tehreek (ST) in Pakistan has expressed serious concerns, and disappointment over the appointment of Sherry Rehman as the country's ambassador to the United States (US) following the resignation of Hussain Haqqani.

Sunni Tehreek leader Shahid Ghauri said Rehman was already following the country's blasphemy laws "policies of the US and the Jewish lobby by trying to abolish the country's blasphemy laws."

"We are not satisfied with Sherry Rehman appointment because she is not fair with Islam or the country," The Express Tribune quoted Ghauri, as saying.

Rehman was heavily criticized for her views following the assassination of Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer and the Minister for Minorities Affairs Shahbaz Bhatti.

Urging the government to appoint an ambassador who is loyal to the country and Islam, he said: "Those who are confident and spies of United States and perusing anti-Islam policies should not be considered for such key posts."

Rehman was appointed envoy to the US by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on November 23, after Haqqani resigned over allegations that he had orchestrated the Memo Gate scandal.

US State Department Spokesman Mark Toner has appreciated Haqqani's work for trying to build a strong, cooperative relationship between Washington and Islamabad.

"We certainly look forward to working together with her as we continue to build a strong, cooperative relationship between our two countries. We have appreciated Ambassador Haqqani's strong support for US-Pakistan relations throughout his tenure," Tonner added. (ANI)