Dawn Leaks: After Rao Tehsin, now Tariq Fatemi in action against PM notification

Dawn Leaks: After Rao Tehsin, now Tariq Fatemi in action against PM notification

ISLAMABAD: The controversy regarding the Dawn Leaks report does not seem to die down any time soon as Tariq Fatemi who was the Prime Minister special assistant on Foreign Affairs has rejected the allegations against him levelled in the Dawn Leaks Inquiry Committee report.

Tariq Fatemi, who was recently relived from the portfolio of Foreign Affairs by the prime minister for his role in the Dawn Leaks case has rejected allegations in a letter to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, it has been learnt.

The Cabinet Division on Saturday issued a notification, ordering the withdrawal of the portfolio of Foreign Affairs from the PM’s Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.

“In terms of rule 4(6) of the Rules of Business, 1973, the Prime Minister has been pleased to withdraw the portfolio of Foreign Affairs, with immediate effect, from Mr Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister with the status of Minister of State,” the notification read.

He expressed displeasure over the allegations leveled against him, saying it is hurtful for a person who has served the country for five decades.

As a fellow member of the Foreign Service family, I reject recent allegations, insinuations and innuendoes. Such suggestions are particularly hurtful for someone who has served Pakistan for nearly five decades with honour and integrity. 

Over the years, I have to deal with many sensitive matters, becoming privy to some of the most highly classified information, on issues of national security. I have also had the honour of working directly under distinguished diplomats, both professional as well as political appointees, all of whom reposed their highest trust in my abilities and particularly so, in my lifelong commitment to discretion. 

You would appreciate that taking due care and caution becomes a second nature in our professional career, the letter reads.