PR. No.108/2008

Date: 28/04/2008

THE RELINQUISHMENT OF THE CHARGE BY RIAZ MOHAMMAD KHAN AS FOREIGN SECRETARY

There has been a lot of reporting in the media about the relinquishment of the charge by Mr. Riaz Mohammad Khan as Foreign Secretary. The fact of the matter is that Mr. Riaz Mohammad Khan had already indicated his desire to leave this office for personal circumstances, particularly health grounds. It would be wrong to attribute any other reason to this development or to make it a subject of controversy.

The Government of Pakistan and the Prime Minister acknowledge the services rendered by Mr. Riaz Mohammad Khan to Pakistan . It is unfortunate that the notification regarding his replacement has become a subject of political and media speculation. The Foreign Minister said that he joins the media and other well wishers of Foreign Secretary Riaz Mohammad Khan in acknowledging his services to the country and his professional integrity.

Mr. Riaz Mohammad Khan is one of the most illustrious career diplomats who served Pakistan with great commitment, integrity and distinction. He is deeply respected for his professional excellence and human qualities, both in Pakistan and internationally. His colleagues at the Foreign Ministry hold him in high esteem and have best wishes in this new phase of his life. Mr. Riaz Mohammad Khan deserves full respect for his privacy and should not be a subject of speculation and controversy. This is the least that can be done for a distinguished civil servant who selflessly served the county for four decades.

Islamabad

28 April 2008