Islamabad, Apr 14: The new PPP-led government in Pakistan is keen on hiring the services of American lobbyist and Democratic consultant Mark A Siegel, who used to write former Pakistan premier Benazir Bhutto’s speeches during her two stints at the helm of her country.

A key aide of PPP Co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari recently conveyed this desire to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is likely to move a summary to the PM Secretariat to initiate the process, The News reported.

Siegel was also a longtime friend and adviser to Benazir. A leading Washington-based strategist, Siegel is a political analyst, academic and advocate who served as Pakistan's American lobbyist in both the governments of Benazir Bhutto.

He holds a PhD in political science (Congressional behaviour and political parties) and has taught at various universities in the US, including George Washington University. At present, he lectures at the Columbia University.

A day after Benazir Bhutto's death, Siegel disclosed that he had received an e-mail from Benazir last year, a week after she survived an assassination attempt upon her return to Pakistan on October 18, 2007. (ANI)