LAHORE: Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar Sunday criticised Punjab government over ‘poor performance’ in managing the affairs of the province, especially in health and education sectors.
“The state of education has been destroyed. This is the Punjab government,” the chief justice remarked during hearing of a suo motu case regarding appointment of Lahore College for Women University vice-chancellor in violation of the merit.
The court dismissed LCWU VC Dr Uzma Quraishi from the post, besides removal of several interim VCs of public universities in Punjab, ordering permanent appointments in their place. The court also ordered that the senior most faculty member should be made the interim VCs for the time being.
Appearing before the court after being summoned, the LCWU VC clarified that Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal had no role in her appointment, after the chief justice remarked that they are aware of Iqbal’s role in the matter. The chief justice wondered how seniors were sidelined in the appointment process. Quraishi pleaded the bench not to dismiss her as it would affect her reputation but the court observed that she can plead her case afresh in front of the search committee.
Appearing before the court, Punjab Higher Education Minister Raza Ali Gillani informed the bench that Quraishi’s appointment was not made in his tenure, but added that the inquiry of the matter was forwarded to him for which a committee has already been established.
Punjab advocate general informed the bench that a search committee has been formed which comprises Razzaq Dawood, Zafar Iqbal Quraishi and Umar Saif. The chief justice approved the members and remarked that the committee will recommend names for appointment of VCs at public sector universities.
On Saturday, a two-member bench of the apex court, while hearing a suo motu case on illegal appointments of vice-chancellors, had ordered the Punjab government to immediately appoint a new VC at the Punjab University. The court had earlier in the day ordered the suspension of University of Punjab VC Dr Zakaria Zakar.
Hearing a separate suo motu case, the chief justice remarked that the Supreme Court will get to the bottom of the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) mismanagement case.
A two-member bench headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar reprimanded Punjab health officials over the appointment of Afzaal Bhatti as Overseas Pakistanis Commissioner in Punjab and board member of the PIC.
“How can anyone with dual citizenship be appointed as overseas commissioner and PIC member?” the CJP asked, while addressing Punjab Minister for Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Khawaja Salman Rafique. “How did all of this happen when you were the in-charge? You know this all will go in the charge-sheet against you. I feel showing this entire investigation to the chief minister,” the chief justice observed, adding “this Qazi is not that weak, the case will be forwarded to NAB.”
The CJP summoned Director General NAB Lahore Saleem Shahzad over an inquiry into the case. The court also ordered to put the name of Afzaal Bhatti on the exit control list. The court summoned all the authorities concerned again on April 28.
Hearing another suo motu case on lack of treatment for children born with cholesterol, a two-member Supreme Court bench headed by the chief justice ordered government to acquire cholesterol treatment machine within 10 days. He observed that if no treatment is available then a patient cannot be left to die.
The chief justice remarked that he wants to know why no hospital in the country has this machine, adding that if the government does not have the funds then the court can take assistance from rich persons and get it done itself. Punjab Health Minister Salman Rafique assured the court that the machine will be imported and all relevant facilities provided.
Medical expert professor Ayaz informed the bench that there is no treatment available for the ailment the world over, adding that the children will be monitored at the Services Hospital. The chief justice responded that they need to be treated not monitored. The chief justice remarked that the health minister need not show up at every hearing, but added that he should inform his brother, Railways Minister Saad Rafique, that “something can happen anytime”.
Hearing a suo motu case regarding police security for non-essential personnel, the chief justice remarked that the 4,610 policemen recalled from protocol duties of non-essential personnel by the Punjab government cost the public exchequer Rs 38 billion a year. He observed that the figure don’t include the cost of fuel and vehicles. “If the same money was spent on health and education, things would have been different,” the chief justice observed. On Thursday, the chief justice had directed inspector generals of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Islamabad to take back security protocols from people who don’t have that privilege. The police chief of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had already recalled security officials as per the court’s orders. As a result, around 13,000 police officials were called back from their respective security duties.
Published in Daily Times, April 23rd 2018.
