WASHINTON: An influential group of Indian Americans urged US President Joe Biden to reject the appointment of Masood Khan as Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, alleging that the diplomat is a sympathizer and supporter of terrorist groups.

The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS), in a statement, on Wednesday urged Biden to reject the appointment of the “Jihadi-terrorist-sympathiser” Masood Khan as Pakistani Ambassador to the United States.

“We also request Secretary of State Antony Blinken and members of the Senate and House committees on foreign relations to support this rejection,” it said.

FIIDS alleges Masood Khan has repeatedly demonstrated a soft spot for militancy including Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani lady convicted in the US on terrorism charges. His support to designated militant organizations under the US law such as Hizbul Mujahideen, Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM), and Jamaat-e-Islami, is not only inimical to US interests, but also to global peace,”.

FIIDS is a US-based institute for US-India policy studies and awareness.

“Khan’s diplomatic role in the United States may open an avenue for access for militant organizations to US institutions. Furthermore, his former active role as president of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir will complicate US relations with its strategic partner India. His support to the Taliban will also adversely affect US interests in Afghanistan,” it claimed.