Calling index.php with arguments from command-line

We're running an API on our OC store. 99% of the time, it is called remotely, but sometimes, it is called from a local function. Right now, in calling from a local function, a WGET is initiated for the URL in question, however, I'm thinking that an EXEC would be preferable.

How can I call index.php?route=foo/bar&api_function=stuff using PHP exec, in such a way that the function is initiated but no response is required (assuming this would only require inclusion of " > /dev/null" at end of the exec)? Right now, I can't seem to make this happen.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

I concur with your post here. It actually came out very easily understood.