ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Dr Tauqir Shah on Tuesday offered his resignation to the court after questions were raised over his appointment and closeness to Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Shehbaz Sharif.
The questions over his appointment surfaced after Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar took suo motu notice of his appointment in April, when news of an extension granted to him had surfaced.
Justice Nisar on Tuesday noted that Tauqir Shah’s appointment had not been made on merit but due to his closeness with Shehbaz Sharif. The CJP further noted that Shah was sent abroad as an ambassador after he was accused in the Model Town incident in which 14 people lost their lives.
When the attorney general (AG) argued that Shah’s appointment was for the benefit of Pakistan, the chief justice asked him which Pakistan he was talking about.
“Are the likes of Ali Jahangir Siddiqui and Tauqir Shah the only people left to represent Pakistan?” the CJP asked. The AG then said that Shah’s removal would lead to the country’s defamation, an argument dismissed by the CJP.
“Pakistan will not be defamed but held in esteem. The world is realising that our country is ruled by the law,” Justice Nisar said.
Rather than be unceremoniously dismissed from service, Shah offered his resignation from the post. The court accepted, asked for the resignation to be submitted in writing, and adjourned the hearing for a day.
