Parliament Reviews Nomination for New Maldivian Ambassador to Pakistan

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s nomination for the new Maldivian ambassador to Pakistan has been sent to the Parliament’s Foreign Relations Committee for review.

The nomination letter, proposing Khadheeja Najeeha for the role, was submitted on Tuesday to replace incumbent Maldivian Ambassador to Pakistan Faruzana Zahir. Khadheeja Najeeha, who has previously served as the joint secretary at the Foreign Ministry, is now under parliamentary scrutiny.

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In Tuesday’s parliamentary session, Solih’s nominations for ambassadors to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bangladesh were also forwarded to the Parliament’s Foreign Relations Committee for review.

These developments have unfolded against the backdrop of an appeal by President-Elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, urging the incumbent administration to refrain from making such changes. 

Some Members of Parliament have expressed discontent over the timing of the nomination, given the impending conclusion of President Solih’s administration on November 17th.

Central Henveiru MP Ali Azim commented on the situation, emphasising the need for a democratic process and the smooth transfer of power as a top priority at this time. He stated that contradicting the president-elect’s request is not acceptable and called for an order to halt the process.

Maafannu Central MP Ibrahim Rasheed also voiced his opposition to the appointment of a new ambassador. 

Deputy Speaker Eva Abdulla, presiding over Wednesday’s session, noted that the committee would consider these factors in their decision-making process.

On October 5th, President-Elect Muizzu sent a letter to President Solih, requesting the current administration to halt seven specific matters during the transitional period. President Solih has expressed his intention to cooperate with the requests put forth by Muizzu.