ISLAMABAD – An officer from the Senate Secretariat has sought political asylum in an Europe along with his family based on a letter from the Foreign Office during his official visit.
The matter was revealed by Foreign Secretary Cyrus Sajjad Qazi in a letter to the National Assembly and Senate Secretariat. He also informed them about the new guidelines for issuing visa notes through a letter.
Reports said Joint Secretary Haider Ali Sandrani from the Senate Secretariat was nominated to attend the 148th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Switzerland, from March 23 to 27, 2024.
The Joint Secretary made a formal request to the Senate Secretariat not only for himself but also for his family, to obtain a visa note and a letter of introduction.
Later, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs found that the officer and his family members had applied for political asylum in one of the Western European countries and did not return.
This action by Haider Ali not only caused national embarrassment but also added to the difficulties faced by other legal applicants, the letter said.
Considering the situation, the Mofa has issued special instructions for officers travelling abroad along with members of the National Assembly, Senators for official visits.
Now, policy guidelines will be followed for issuing verbal and introduction notes.
After receiving formal requests from the Senate or National Assembly Secretariat, diplomatic/government passports holders will be issued notes for official visits, while introduction notes will be issued for private visits.
Introduction letters from the National Assembly or Senate Secretariat will be conditional upon a formal affidavit that they will not seek political asylum in any country.
The new policy guidelines have been issued with the approval of the Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.
