Faisalabad Health Department Initiates Formal Inquiry into PGIAHS Contract Appointments Following Court Directives
FAISALABAD – The Health Department of Punjab has officially launched a formal inquiry into contract-based appointments and employee terminations at the Post Graduate Institute of Allied Health Sciences (PGIAHS) in Faisalabad. This action comes in strict compliance with the orders issued by the Lahore High Court, which mandated a thorough investigation into the recruitment practices at the institution.
Background of the Contract Appointments
According to an official letter issued by the Secretary of the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department (SHC&ME) in Punjab, addressed to the Principal of PGIAHS Faisalabad, the inquiry stems from a Lahore High Court decision. The letter reveals that during the financial year 2016–17, formal advertisements were issued for 25 posts, including positions such as Generator Operator, Tube Well Operator, and Computer Operator.
Subsequently, on the orders of the Principal, several individuals, including Hassan Yousaf, Asif Javed, and M. Naseem Haider, along with others, were appointed on a three-year contract basis. However, these posts were later withdrawn by the Health Department, leading to the employees being adjusted against various erratic posts, such as Telephone Operator and Plumber positions.
Objections and Legal Proceedings
Upon completion of the contract period, the matter was referred to the Scrutiny Committee of PGIAHS Faisalabad. The committee raised objections to the regularization of services, citing that permanent posts had not been approved by the Finance Department. Consequently, the contract services could not be regularized under existing rules.
Following this development, six employees, including Hassan Yousaf, filed a petition before the Lahore High Court seeking permanent reinstatement. The LHC directed the SHC&ME Department to examine the grievances of the petitioners in accordance with the law, avoid discriminatory treatment, and decide the matter within 60 days.
Specific Cases Highlighted in the Inquiry
The letter sent to the Principal further disclosed specific irregularities. Petitioner Hassan Yousaf, son of Muhammad Yousaf, was appointed as a Generator Operator (BS-06) on a contract basis but was serving against a post that did not exist in the institution. Additionally, he did not possess the required qualifications for the position. His appointment was found to be in violation of government rules, resulting in the termination of his services on June 1, 2024.
Meanwhile, the record also revealed that another petitioner, Muhammad Tahir son of Abubakar, was appointed as a Hardware Engineer through the Punjab Public Service Commission, indicating a mix of recruitment methods at the institute.
Serious Questions Raised
The departmental letter highlighted serious questions regarding the recruitment process. It questioned how recruitment was carried out when the relevant posts had not been created by the Finance Department. Furthermore, it raised concerns about why one employee’s contract was terminated while others continue to work against similar erratic posts, suggesting potential inconsistencies in treatment.
Departmental Response and Future Actions
In view of these facts, Special Secretary (Operations) SHC&ME, Nabila Irfan, rejected the petitioners’ request for regularization, stating that it was outside the scope of rules and policy. However, PGIAHS Faisalabad has been directed to complete a comprehensive inquiry within 30 days and submit a detailed report on the matter to address the court's concerns and ensure transparency in future appointments.
