Bengalis have not exactly been popular in the Pakistan foreign service since a series of defections followed the secessionist conflict in east Pakistan earlier this year. But Salimuz Zuman, a Bengali in London for two years, has been appointed acting High Commissioner here.

It is possible, that a Bengali would not have been given the appointment two months ago when tension was high following the defection of the Pakistan ambassador in Iraq, Abul Fatah. The Pakistan foreign office reacted by ordering Pakistan missions to take over the passports of all Pakistani officials abroad. Moreover, signatures of two of the most senior members of each mission are now required to cash cheques against official funds.