Ex-envoy in KSA suspended over Pak expats’ complaints

ISLAMABAD – On directives of Premier Imran Khan, Prime Minister’s Inspection Commission has been tasked to probe complaints of overseas Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia regarding misconduct of Pakistan embassy officials including ambassador Raja Ali Ejaz who till recently served as Pakistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Informed sources said, that on the directives of the prime minister, Raja Ali Ejaz, an officer of BPS-21 of the foreign service, has been suspended with immediate effect and an inquiry has been initiated against him.

The issue came to surface when the prime minister mentioned in his speech at the Roshan Digital Account ceremony in Islamabad yesterday that he had received complaints about misconduct of Pakistani diplomats including the ambassador in Riyadh.

Six diplomats including welfare attaches posted in Riyadh have been asked to relinquish the charge and report to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The sources said that Pakistanis living in Saudi Arabia have sent direct complaints to prime minister office regarding misconduct of diplomats of Pakistani consulate in Jeddah and main embassy in Riyadh.

The Prime Minister’s Inspection Commission will work closely with Foreign Office on the investigations against the ambassador and his staff.

The high level inquiry committee will also probe into the financial irregularities in the Welfare Fund, meant for the welfare of overseas Pakistanis living in the Kingdom.

“On my directive, a high-powered investigation is underway to probe the Ambassador and staff on the complaints of mistreatment meted out to Pakistanis,” Prime Minister Imran Khan said in his address at launch of Roshan Digital incentives for expats.

Imran Khan expressed strong displeasure over reports of embassy staff allegedly involved in minting money from Pakistani nationals. The maximum staff of the embassy has been recalled, he added.

He warned of strict action against those held responsible for negligence.

“It is the duty of foreign missions to extend best possible services to Pakistanis, particularly belonging to labourers and working-class,” he said.

Imran Khan in particular acknowledged the services of labour class Pakistani nationals working abroad in tough conditions and sending their hard-earned money to their families back home.

“These workers deserve our utmost respect and the government will not spare anyone behaving with them wrongly,” he said.

It may be recalled here that ambassador Ali Ejaz has handed over the charge to new ambassador of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia Lt-Gen (retd) Bilal Akbar.

Ambassador Bilal Akbar has formally assumed his responsibilities after presenting his credentials to the chief of protocol of Saudi Foreign Office yesterday.

Officials said that investigations may not have any impact on ambassador Ali Ejaz as he would be retiring from service on May 18.

If found guilty, six other officers will face a disciplinary action including suspension from service.

Abu Akaf, chief of the PM’s Inspection Commission, is heading inquiry with members from foreign office, interior and overseas Pakistani division. The team has been directed to submit inquiry report within a week.

Article source: https://nation.com.pk/30-Apr-2021/ex-envoy-in-ksa-suspended-over-pak-expats-complaints