Pakistan PM sacks three ambassadors at large

Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has sacked three ambassadors at large, Geo TV reported Wednesday.

Geo TV identified the three as Syed Sharifuddin Pirzada, Ahsanullah Khan and Hameed Asghar Qidwai. It said an official notification has been issued to this effect.

Pirzada has worked as ambassador at large, a post equivalent to that of a federal minister, since 1996, the report said. He has been criticised for supporting military governments in the country.

Ahsanullah Khan, who is a close aide to former president Pervez Musharraf, has served as Pakistan's envoy to the United Arab Emirates. Qidwai is a former banker.