The appointment of Tariq Fatemi as special assistant to Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif on Foreign Affairs has been challenged in the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
The petitioner has taken a plea in his petition, filed through his counsel Raja Zahoorul Hassan, that there is no constitutional standing of the post of special assistant to PM held by Tariq Fatemi while Fatemi has not taken oath of his office so far. Due to this, the parliament cannot hold him accountable, he said.
The petitioner said that Fatemi has undertaken foreign visits, represented Pakistan therein and has taken the decision on sensitive issues like nuclear related matters.
He said that Fatemi has received heavy funds from Iran and India for Plasma Wakefield Acceleration (PWFA), adding that he acquired a plot from the Capital Development Authority for PWFA but later sold it to a private school.
He further said that Fatemi got appointed as a diplomat by his friend in Oil Company where he earlier worked. The prime minister appointed him as his special advisor illegally and unconstitutionally, he said.
The petitioner prayed the court to restrict Fatemi from performing his functions.
The foreign secretary, cabinet division secretary and Fatemi have been made respondents in the petition.
