SC halts extension of Sheikh Zayed Hospital chairman’s tenure

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  • CJP directs Punjab govt to appoint new head

LAHORE: The Supreme Court on Wednesday halted the extension of Sheikh Zayed Hospital Chairman Farid Khan’s tenure by the Punjab government, directing the government to give hospital’s charge to the senior most person.

On Monday, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar had taken notice of the issue after the matter was brought up by Dr Muzammil Tahir, General Secretary of the Medical Teachers Association, and Dr Nasir Din, General Secretary of Allied Health Organisation.

The application stated that the incumbent chairman was appointed on the recommendation of a politically titled search committee in violation of the prevalent policy of Federation and Province.

Khan was a junior professor in the provincial government, but was given BS-22 post in a federal organisation, and was appointed as chairman, negating all routine legal requirements, stated the application.

Furthermore, the application added that nepotism and politically motivated policies of Khan halted the “smooth working of Sheikh Zayed Hospital”.

Hearing the case, the three-judge bench, headed by Justice Nisar, asked if the chairman’s tenure is being extended on Hamza Shehbaz’s directions, referring to the Punjab chief minister’s son and MNA.

Punjab’s additional advocate general, appearing before the court, informed the court that the chairman’s contract ends on April 10 this year, adding that the hospital’s board of governors has asked him to stay until a replacement is finalised.

The chief justice observed that there are a lot of complaints against the man and warned that the board will be disbanded incase Farid Khan’s tenure is extended.

“Why the Punjab government is unable to find suitable persons for such post?” questioned the CJP.

The chief justice also remarked that he is well aware of the standard of the hospital.

The court then directed the chief secretary and law secretary to submit an affidavit and give the hospital’s charge to the senior most person.

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