After much drama, PMO denies finalising Jogezai’s name for Balochistan governorship

Meanwhile, Jogezai says video message misinterpreted, will take oath after NAB clears him of corruption

QUETTA/ ISLAMABAD: Confusion regarding the post of Balochistan governor persists as the Prime Minister Office (PMO) on Sunday said Dr Ameer Mohammad Khan Jogezai had been nominated but not finalised for the key post.

"His name was recommended, however, the ruling party is yet to make final decision," it said on Sunday. A day earlier, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had issued a statement saying Jogezai was nominated for the provincial post by Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Earlier, Jogezai refuted reports that he had declined PM Imran's offer to assume charge as Balochistan governor, Express News reported.

Jogezai insisted that his video message was misinterpreted by the media and explained that he has accepted the premier's offer but intended to take oath after he is cleared of corruption by relevant authorities including the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

In his message, the PTI nominee had also said that he did not want to cause embarrassment to Premier Imran or his ruling party. “There are no cases against me. The one being talked about was filed in 2005 and pertains to WWB, WWF,” he said while pointing out specifically about the only case against him in the NAB.



However, he gave a vague reply when asked if he will not accept PTI offer until NAB clears him. “I am here. The NAB can conduct its inquiry. I am not going anywhere.”

In 2015, the NAB initiated an inquiry against Jogezai – who was then chief executive officer of the Kidney Centre in Quetta.

The accountability watchdog had said that Jogezai was allegedly involved in embezzlement in the procurement of medical equipment and misappropriation of funds released for the Kidney Centre that caused a loss of Rs61 million to the national exchequer. The inquiry is still underway.

A pediatrician by profession, Jogezai has over 30 years of experience in medicine.  The governor-designate also served as registrar in Quetta's Bolan Medical College. Jogezai's elder brother Sardar Gul Mohammad Khan Jogezai has also served as Balochistan governor from 1991 to 1994.