Washington, Nov 9 : In a major setback to Pakistan following the imposition of emergency, Cassidy & Associates, which represents its clients before the US government, has withdrawn from the representation of the Pakistan embassy.

Cassidy, that won a 1.2-million-dollar annual contract from the Pakistan government only last month, said in a brief statement that it could no longer "effectively fulfil" its mission.

"Recent developments in Pakistan have made it difficult to effectively fulfil our mission on behalf of the Embassy of Pakistan. These dramatic changes have forced us to most respectfully withdraw our representation of the embassy effective today," the statement said.

The Daily Times quoted former US Ambassador Robin Raphel, as saying, "Developments have regrettably made it necessary to withdraw because under the circumstances we cannot do what we agreed to do. I do hope things will take a turn for the better in Pakistan soon."

In October, Raphel had said that Cassidy & Associates was retained to help the Pakistan embassy ensure that the facts about the complexities of the challenges Pakistan faces in the crucial months ahead are better understood by the Congress, agencies in Washington, and the American public.

"One of those facts is that there is indeed common ground between the PPP and the current government in Pakistan," he said.
 
Since 1975, Cassidy & Associates has been representing its clients before the federal government by providing consulting services. (ANI)