NICVD dismisses ‘illegally reinstated staff officer’

The National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) has officially terminated the staff officer to the executive director after declaring his reinstatement illegal, and ordered legal action against him, according to an official order issued on Tuesday.

The decision was taken by the NICVD Governing Body during its 83rd meeting on March 28 that had reviewed the staff officer’s contested reinstatement. The order signed by Executive Director Prof Farhan Saghir directed his immediate termination from service, the recovery of all salaries and benefits paid to him since October 5, 2020, and the initiation of legal proceedings.

An NICVD Board of Governors member said the staff officer had remained a controversial figure throughout his tenure, and had been a persistent source of friction for both the previous and current executive directors.

His initial dismissal in October 2020 had followed allegations of misconduct and administrative disruptions. However, he continued to seek reinstatement through legal means, briefly regaining his position via a disputed court order.

The latest decision nullifies any such reinstatement, reinstates the original dismissal, and holds him accountable for all financial gains received during the disputed period. The NICVD administration has also declared that the staff officer is liable to penal and civil action for allegedly causing monetary and reputational damage to the institute.

The termination letter has been circulated to key administrative, accounts, HR and transport departments to ensure full enforcement of the decision. NICVD officials said the move aims to restore discipline and integrity in the institute’s functioning after years of internal discord.