In a farewell letter written to his former colleagues at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Pakistan Missions abroad, Fatemi rejected the allegations, saying, "As a fellow member of the Foreign Service family, I reject recent allegations, insinuations and innuendos." Fatemi's response comes following Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's Saturday directives for his removal as special assistant in line with the recommendations of the enquiry committee into a leaked story carried by Dawn on October 6, 2016.
"Such suggestions are particularly hurtful to someone who has served Pakistan for nearly five decades with honour and integrity. Over the years, I have had to deal with many sensitive matters, becoming privy to some of the most highly classified information, on issues of national security," reads the letter.
Fatemi stated that he had been 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 careers," he told his former colleagues.
"Be that as it may, my commitment to Pakistan, my passion for diplomacy and my association with the Foreign Service family will continue. I look forward to staying in touch with you all and to be available for any assistance or support that I might be capable of offering," he further told the Foreign Office officials.
"As I take leave of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after a most productive and professionally intense stint of nearly four years, I wish to convey my thanks and deep appreciation to all of you, for the outstanding support and co-operation that I have always received, not only during my current assignment in the present government, but as a life-long member of the Foreign Service family as well," the letter further reads.
He stated that his latest stint at the ministry enhanced the esteem and respect that he always had for the country's diplomats, a professional cadre of dedicated men and women of high integrity and honour, who bear the rigours of serving with limited resources in difficult environments, defending and promoting the nation's interests, against huge odds.
"The wide ranging social, cultural and linguistic variations of foreign postings and its associated challenges are worthy of acknowledgement and commendation. Is it not uncommon for many of us to have to miss out on family festivities, as well as family bereavements?" he added.
He further mentioned, "The successes that you achieve in safeguarding and advancing our national interests and in flying the Pakistan flag high, despite the wide array of challenges confronting the country, may sometimes not be fully appreciated and understood at home."
"Nevertheless, the high respect that the service enjoys internationally is a testimony to your dedication to duty and personal integrity," he added. He further stated that the past four years have been particularly rewarding and productive, as Pakistani diplomats have presented convincingly Pakistan's case to its interlocutors the world over, while forcefully highlighting the remarkable advances made in confronting terrorism, in turning around the economy, in seeking peace with the neighbours and in widening Pakistan's circle of friends in important regions of the world.
"These have enabled us to maintain Pakistan's standing as a credible and influential voice in the comity of nations, as evident from having won twenty-six of the twenty-eight elections to international organisations that Pakistan contested over this period," he pointed out.
"The fact that we were constantly guided by the Prime Minister's vision and his personal stewardship of the ministry, were sources of great strength to us. Of course, his affection for and confidence in my abilities provided the encouragement and impetus to all of you as well to do that extra little, which makes the difference," he added.
Separately, Fatemi was also given a farewell at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday which was attended by high-ups of the ministry including Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua.
Speaking at the event, sources said that Fatemi reiterated his position and rejected the allegations. Besides, he also thanked the officers of the Foreign Office for their co-operation and support during his position as the special assistant. According to a press release, the officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the Diplomatic Corps in Islamabad, bid farewell to Syed Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, last evening.
The Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz, and Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua appreciated the dedication and commitment of Syed Tariq Fatemi towards promoting Pakistan's interests during his long and distinguished diplomatic career while representing Pakistan in many important capitals.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2017