Saudi Arabia's newly appointed ambassador to Pakistan, General (retd) Dr Rajeh bin Tami Al-Baqami, has informally assumed his assignment in Islamabad, diplomatic sources said on Friday. The Foreign Office has received his documents of arrival, the sources told ' Dr Al-Baqami, a retired Saudi major general, has a scholarly background and holds a doctorate in Human Resource Management from Brunel University London. He was appointed ambassador after retiring from the Saudi armed forces.

The new envoy is expected to present his credentials to President Asif Ali Zardari towards the end of this month, after which he will formally assume charge as Saudi ambassador to Pakistan. Meanwhile, senior Saudi diplomat Hamood-ul-Mulafiq is serving as acting head of the mission. He assumed charge earlier this month following the departure of Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, who returned to Riyadh after serving as Saudi ambassador in Islamabad for nearly nine years.

Al-Malki is being succeeded by Al-Baqami. Hamood-ul-Mulafiq will continue to act as the Kingdom's envoy until Dr Al-Baqami presents his credentials to the president. Meanwhile, the Saudi Embassy is arranging a limited reception on Wednesday, September 23, to commemorate the 96th National Day of the Kingdom.

A larger reception will be held at a later date, the sources said.