Federal minister Azam Swati steps down
Swati’s case has taken a new turn after US authorities handed over important documents to JIT, probing alleged misuse of authority by him, which might land him in serious trouble
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Science and Technology Azam Swati resigned on Thursday after a judicial probe found he had abused his ofice to get members of a poor family arrested.
Swati has been criticised by human rights activists since last month, when his guards clashed with the family, living near his farmhouse.
Swati’s case has taken a new turn after American authorities handed over important documents to a Joint Investigation Team (JIT), probing alleged misuse of authority by him, which might land him into serious trouble.
The JIT received an important letter from US Department of Homeland Security categorically stating that Pakistan Tehrik-e-insaf (PTI) senator falsely represented himself as an American national in the US in 2000 and 2001, said a report.
“The record of proceedings reveal that on Nov.12, 2000, while in B-1, nonimmigrant visa status, you completed a form L-40 in personal history sheet with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission indicating that you [Swati] are a citizen of the United States. The ile also includes a copy of your Voter Registration Address confirmation card. While in E-2, non-immigrant status, again you [Swati] represented yourself to be a citizen of the United States by voting in the May 2001 City of Port Arthur Election.
But you [Swati] falsely represented yourself to be a citizen of United States of America after September 30, 1996; you [Swati] are statutorily ineligible to adjust your status to a lawful permanent resident.
Therefore, your application must be and is hereby denied. There is no appeal to this decision,” US Immigration and Customs Enforcement International Operations, through Embassy of United States Islamabad, responded to Pakistani authorities probing Swati’s case.
The letter was clubbed with the JIT report. Swati is under investigation on the issue of alleged misuse of authority where his employees were found responsible for a clash with a poor family in Islamabad, in which the capital police chief was made a scapegoat later.
The Supreme Court has observed that Swati misused his powers seeking explanation from him under Article 62(1)(f), which sets the precondition for a public ofice holder to be truthful and honest.