ECP takes notice of transfer in health ministry

ISLAMABAD: The transfer of the DG Ministry of Health has taken a new turn after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) declared it a violation of the Election Act.

ECP Director Abrar Ahmed Jatoi through a letter sought a report on the transfer of DG Health from Secretary Health Ministry.

The ECP declared the transfer of DG Health Dr Abdul Basir Achakzai of the Ministry of National Health a violation of the Election Act. It has been stated in the letter that the transfer of Dr Abdul Basir Achakzai is also a violation of the guidelines of Election Commission.

It should be recalled that Federal Secretary of National Health Iftikhar Ali Shalvani removed Dr Abdul Basir Achakzai from the post of DG Health on November 22 and gave additional charge of the post of DG Health to DG Population, Ministry of Health, Dr Shabana Saleem. Federal Secretary of Health had also ordered an inquiry into Dr Achakzai’s induction into the ministry.

A fact-finding committee was formed led by Senior Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health (Hospitals) Dr. Mirza Ali Mehsud, which is still working. Two days later, on November 24, after the intervention of health minister, the secretary health issued a new notification.

According to this, Dr Shabana Rasool was withdrawn and Dr Muhammad Ahmed Qazi was given the additional charge of DG Health. Now this matter has reached the Election Commission.