PR. No.184/2007

Date: 20/07/2007

CLARIFICATION ON MEDIA REPORT

An Islamabad daily has published a slanderous story against Pakistan’s Ambassador to Spain for allegedly sacking several officials working in the Embassy. The story contains many factually incorrect remarks.

Salman Saeed Awan, the former local based NADRA employee, was sacked by the Ambassador on serious charges of inefficiency and unsatisfactory performance. The community had also repeatedly lodged complaints against him. Details of his poor performance are on NADRA’s record.

It is also clarified that the Ambassador was not summoned by any court. This matter was being dealt with in the Arbitration and Reconciliation Council which awarded severance pay to the official as is allowed in such cases.

On joining the Embassy in Madrid in April 2005, the Ambassador brought to the notice of the Ministry a number of complaints about inefficiency and mishandling of Pakistani community which necessitated various administrative actions including removal of certain local staff members following due process.

It is unfortunate that a senior Ambassador who is returning to Pakistan in a couple of week’s time after a dedicated service of 36 year has been unjustifiably targeted in a media report.

Islamabad

20 July 2007