Liberal campaigner Sherry Rehman has been appointed as Pakistan’s ambassador to Washington.
The former journalist’s predecessor, Hussain Haqqani resigned after rubbishing claims that he pursued US help against the army after Osama Bin Laden’s killing in May.
The argument has strained the ties between Pakistan’s government and military.
Ms Rehman, who received threats after campaigning to scrap Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, is a human rights campaigner and represents Pakistan People’s party.
After her appointment, she told reporters, “We have given many sacrifices. These sacrifices should not go waste. This blood should not go to waste and we have a firm resolve. We will plead our case everywhere with one voice.”
Positive ties with Pakistan are vital for Washington as it aims to end the conflict in Afghanistan.
However, Ms Rehman’s appointment has surprised some, as observers expected the army to have a say in who should be the new replacement.
But they also believe that she will be more pleasant to her country’s military leaders than Mr Haqqani.
The former ambassador had kind words for his successor, tweeting that Ms Rehman is “dedicated democrat.”
He resigned after meeting Pakistan’s top civilian leaders, the head of the army and intelligence service chiefs.
Mr Haqqani was accused of putting together a memo to seek US help in preventing a military takeover in Pakistan after Bin Laden was shot dead.
But he denied the allegations.
