CJ asks NAB to probe alleged corruption in PIC
Justice Nisar Lambasts Punjab government over the appointment of PIC board member Afzal Bhatti says that people often exercise influence in order to be recruited into government jobs ‘We cannot ignore this’
ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar while hearing a suo motu case against the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) Lahore said on Sunday that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) would investigate alleged corruption in the organisation.
An assistant pharmacist who claimed she was wrongfully removed from her position at the PIC brought the matter to the attention of the court.
A two-judge bench led by Justice Nisar held the first hearing of a suo motu case regarding the matter.
The chief justice lambasted the Punjab government and PIC officials over the appointment of PIC board member Afzal Bhatti who also holds a post as the commissioner of the Overseas Pakistanis Commission Punjab asking how a dual national was designated commissioner and a board member of the PIC.
He asked Bhatti how much his salary was to which the latter replied that it was Rs550,000 a month. He observed that the chief secretary only earned Rs180,000 a month. “What makes you so special?” he wondered.
Adviser to the Chief Minister Khawaja Hassan, Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique and PIC head Nadeem Hayat Malik appeared in the court.
“How did all this happen in your presence?” Justice Nisar asked Hassan. “I am sorely tempted to summon the chief minister and show him these proceedings.”
He asked Rafique to keep noting “whatever is happening in the Health Ministry. This will be the charge-sheet against you.”
The chief justice said that people often exercise influence in order to be recruited into government jobs. “We cannot ignore this.”
The Punjab advocate general was also reprimanded for interfering in the matter.
“This judge is not so weak. Everything will come to light once the matter is sent to the NAB,” Justice Nisar said. “Those responsible will not be let off easily. We will get to the bottom of this.”
The court summoned NAB Director General Lahore Saleem Shahzad to inquire into the matter and ordered Bhatti’s name to be placed on the ECL.
The court adjourned the hearing until April 28 and summoned all relevant officials before the court in the next hearing.