Petition challenging appointments: SHC bench issues notices to health secretary, others

A division bench of Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued notices to the provincial health secretary, the Sindh Health Care Commission (SHCC), Board of Commissioners chairperson and others in a petition pertaining to Board of Commissioners for allegedly comprised unqualified people.

The bench headed by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar ordered to issue notices after petitioner Minhaj Ahmed Qidwai, who is also the CEO of SHCC, questioned the appointment of the commissioners and Board of Commissioners chairperson.

He submitted that they are disqualified for the posts and should be removed from the board of provincial health care commission.

Petitioner stated that the board chairperson had made the role of CEO redundant through illegal appointment of the corporate `secretary, no provision of which was provided under the law and contended that the affairs of commission after the Covid-19 pandemic had become serious as a Covid-19 emergency committee was illegally formed to oversee the SHCC affairs.

Whereas the committee formation under the SHCC law was the prerogative of the CEO and chairperson of the board had exceeded her power and made direct intrusion in the administrative affairs of the commission, Qidwai stated.

Petitioner alleged that the board of commissioners had committed several illegalities and irregularities against the spirit of SHCC law.

Petitioner requested the court to declare that the SHCC Board of Commissioners chairperson acted beyond her power and committed irregularities by the misuse of power in violation of the law and terms of conditions.

He prayed the court to dissolve the board and order a detailed inquiry over the affairs of Board of Commissioners and appointments of qualified commissioners as provided under the SHCC Act.

Ben issued notices to the Sindh health secretary, the SHCC Board of Commissioners chairperson, commissioners and others to furnish their comments on May 08.