Challenging dissolution of Sheikh Zayed Medical Hospital and Sheikh Zayed Post Graduate Medical College from federal government to the Punjab government, 110 faculty members of the hospital and the college filed an application through Advocate Hamid Khan against this dissolution. Khan submitted that the hospital and the college have special status as it was a trust established by the rulers of Abu Dhabi who were sending grants to date through federal government.
Dr Zafar Iqbal, chairman of SZH, also presented trust deed before the court. The court issued notice in this application to the Punjab government for reply by or on the next date of hearing.
About the recommendations of different health experts on the request of the court over health facilities to control different diseases and status of the SZH the court was informed that the concern specialists held a meeting who formulated suggestions in this regard. Dr Javed Gardezi, a member of the team, wrote his personal note on the issue. However the court also put off this matter by next date of hearing.
PETITION CHALLENGING REMOVAL OF PIC HEAD: Another application challenging removal of Dr Muhammad Athar, former head of PIC. On his behalf, Advocate Ameer Alam Khan submitted that his client was hardworking and dedicated to his profession but unceremoniously he was removed after the death of about 130 patients at this hospital in which he had no role.
The court issued notice to the Punjab government for reply which were received by Additional Advocate General Faisal Zaman Khan. The court also asked the AAG if the Punjab government had done anything about the compensations. He said the government has announced compensations and soon it will be paid.
Attorney General of Pakistan Maulvi Anwarul Haq appearing before the court said according to the Section 92 of Civil Procedure Code, status of the SZH could be defined. However as Justice Saqib asked him either he firmly pressed on this article, he withdrew his statement. However the AG was given copies of different applications and was asked to come with preparation on next date of hearing –March 16. On the last date of hearing, the court was informed that 48,000 persons were affected by reaction of spurious medicines and 150 people out of them died.
Court orders regularisation of grade 1 to 15 employees: The Lahore High Court on Monday directed Punjab government to regularise the contract employees of grade 1 to 15 in period of one month on their posts.
Justice Khaid Mehmood Khan passed the orders on a petition filed by Abid Hussain, Sajid and Abdulah, employees of Town Municipal Administration (TMA) Gijra, District Toba Tek Singh. The petitioners through their counsel, Advocate Arfan contended that they have been serving on contract for the last five years in the TMA and they are not being regularized by the chief minister Punjab.
They said discriminatory treatment is being meted out to them by the government. As some employees have political influence a centralised approach has been regularised and those lacking political backing have been left waiting for it in disappointment.
They stated that last years Punjab CM issued notices to regularise employees in 2011 but on that initiative only a couple of employees became regular and others were denied the lawful relief.
They pleaded with the court to direct the government to regularise them on the principles of equity and justice. After hearing arguments in detail the court disposed of the petition, directing the Punjab government to regularise contract employees of grade 1 to 15 in a period of one month on their posts.
