Snippets Of Fatemi fiasco
Shahbaz government withdrew with the same speed the appointment of Tariq Fatemi fiasco as Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs in a decision taken after reservations by concerned quarters as well as the PPP revealing that Shehbaz was equally capable of running backwards fast. Fatemi fiasco, a retired diplomat and long time aide of PMLN supremo Nawaz Sharif was amongst the very first appointments announced by the government. It was construed to be a wily infringement by Nawaz Sharif on the cabinet positions given to the PPP in power sharing. Fatemi fiascowould have acted on behest of Nawaz Sharif and may well have caused friction within the coalition but PPP raced ahead and nipped any such possibility in the bud. Sheepishly, the PM upgraded Fatemi fiasco position to that of a state minister keeping him on the payroll but this is hardly a sop for the competent diplomat. It is quite clear that his appointment came out of the blue in vintage Nawaz Sharif style of springing surprises but its failure may well have disappointed Fatemi. TW
