Islamabad, Feb. 11 : Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has terminated the services of three ambassadors-at-large appointed during the previous Musharraf regime.

The shock announcement severs government ties with Sharifuddin Pirzada, Ahsanullah Khan and Hameed Kidwai.

Officials close to the Prime Minister''s Office told the Dawn, that the sackings reflect the government's resolve to purge the administration of the remnants of Musharraf era.

These officials had served the dictatorship, and therefore it was felt, could not be friends of democracy.

The sacked ambassadors had enjoyed official protocol at state expense for a long time after being inducted by Musharraf. (ANI)