Key Takeaways
- The federal government has replaced the additional charge of Secretary of the Ministry of National Health Services.
- Dr. Muhammad Fakhar Alam Irfan has been assigned the role for three months.
- The move comes after Capt. (Retd.) Muhammad Mahmood faced scrutiny over past controversies.
The federal government has taken a significant step in the wake of the tragic fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) by replacing the additional charge of Secretary of the Ministry of National Health Services. According to a government notification, Dr. Muhammad Fakhar Alam Irfan, a BS 22 officer, has been assigned this role for three months or until a regular health secretary is appointed, whichever comes first.
This decision follows the suspension of Muhammad Aslam Ghauri for 120 days, who was initially given the additional charge of health secretary after the fire incident at PIMS, which resulted in the deaths of newborn babies. The government has initiated an inquiry into the incident, highlighting the need for a thorough and transparent management of the health sector.
Dr. Fakhar Alam Irfan will continue to serve as Secretary of the Power Division alongside his new responsibilities. His appointment has drawn scrutiny due to his past associations with several high-profile controversies and official inquiries, including alleged irregularities in the Rawalpindi Ring Road project, the Nandipur Power Project, the wheat import issue, and a dispute over policies concerning long-distance international telecom operators.
In a related development, the government has issued several other notifications concerning the transfer and posting of officers. Deputy Secretary Nasir Aziz Khan has been transferred from the Ministry of Religious Affairs to the Establishment Division, while the services of Naik Hussain Shah, who was awaiting posting, have been placed at the disposal of the Defence Division as Deputy Secretary.
The services of Naseem Ahmed Khan, Deputy Secretary of the Inter Provincial Coordination Division, will retire on March 2, 2027. Additionally, the Establishment Division has cancelled the promotion of Pakistan Administrative Service officer Asad Ali Khan from BS 19 to BS 20, as the promotion was not actualized within one year. The notification for his promotion, issued on June 24, 2025, was withdrawn.
These changes reflect the government's commitment to addressing the issues raised by the PIMS tragedy and ensuring the smooth functioning of the health sector. The appointment of Dr. Fakhar Alam Irfan is seen as a temporary measure until a regular health secretary is appointed, highlighting the ongoing challenges in the management of the ministry.
The government's actions are part of a broader effort to address the concerns raised by the PIMS incident and ensure that the health sector operates efficiently and transparently. The appointment of Dr. Fakhar Alam Irfan and the other changes in officer postings are aimed at restoring public confidence in the management of the health services.
