The Cabinet has directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to initiate a probe against PML (N) leader and former Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Khawaja Asif on the basis of a source report. The Cabinet was informed that Khawaja Asif had held extremely sensitive positions including that of Minister for Defence, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Minister for Water and Power while drawing a huge salary from a foreign based entity/organization raising questions about 'services' he provided to the company.
Though he continued to draw the pay/salary but for most of the time, he remained within the country, ie, away from work for which he was employed by that organisation. Therefore, the FIA intends to probe the matter, which has come to its notice, in terms of including but not limited to what actual services he provided or was expected to provide to the foreign entity and on what terms and whether he compromised on his oath of office and national interest.
The Cabinet was informed that as the matter could have far-reaching implications; therefore, the matter has been brought before the Cabinet for information and advice before formal proceedings of inquiry/investigation are initiated by the FIA.
Official documents reveal that the Cabinet considered the briefing given by the Interior Division on the source report regarding violation of oath by Ex-Federal Minister, Khawaja Asif and made the following decisions; (i) a detailed probe into the contract of employment between Khawaja Asif and the foreign entity be carried out by FIA, so as to determine the exact terms and conditions of the employment, the nature of service rendered by Khawaja Asif, the exact emoluments received, the identity of the owners/members of the foreign entity; (ii) FIA will also probe whether the foreign entity representing someone else's interest. The exact job and working of the foreign entity be determined;(iii) FIA will probe the exact nature and character of the funds received by Khawaja Asif, and any consideration or services provided by him in lieu thereof;(iv) FIA will also probe whether as a sitting Federal Minister, Khawaja Asif could have been gainfully employed? If not, which law or rules this is violative of?; (v) FIA will also inquire whether Khawaja Asif has, unauthorizedly, passed on vital or sensitive information as Federal Minister to anyone;(vi) FIA will also probe the fact whether the reported gainful employment of Khawaja Asif with a foreign private entity, while he was also simultaneously holding important portfolios of Minister for Defence, Foreign Affairs and Water and Power and; (vii) any other illegality/irregularity found during the probe linked with this inquiry.
Prime Minister's Special Assistant, Usman Dar had challenged qualification of Khawaja Asif in Islamabad High Court (IHC), which disqualified him but the Supreme Court set aside the decision of the IHC.
Political circles are of the view that appointment of Brigadier Ijaz Shah (retired) as Minister for Interior is also meant to victimize political opponents.