ISLAMABAD — The government appointed a liberal lawmaker and rights activist as its U.S. ambassador Wednesday, swiftly replacing an envoy who was forced out amid allegations he sought Washington’s help in trying to rein in Pak istan’s powerful military.
Sherry Rehman, who has faced militant death threats for speaking out against Pakistan’s anti-blasphemy laws often used to persecute Christians, appeared to be a candidate acceptable both to the army and the weak civilian government.
The appointment of a vocal proponent of civilian rule suggested the government still had some fight in it after the bruising standoff with the military that led to the ouster of Ambassador Husain Haqqani.
Rehman will face a difficult task because of the frequently troubled relationship between the U.S. and Pakistan.
Washington’s patience for Islamabad is running out as the Obama administration has tried for three years to enlist Pakistan’s help in the fight against Islamic militancy but has little to show for it.
The American raid that killed Osama bin Laden in May in an army town not far from Islamabad only served to reinforce suspicions in Washington that Pakistan was taking billions of dollars in U.S. aid but also supporting militants.
Haqqani resigned Tuesday and has denied any connection to the memo asking for Washington’s help in reining in the military.
