SHC issues notices over costly robot procurement at LUMHS

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued notices to the Sindh government, health department, Liaquat Medical University, and other involved parties regarding a petition challenging the purchase of surgical robots at an allegedly inflated cost for Liaquat University of Medical and Health Science (LUMHS).

On Monday, the SHC heard a petition concerning the acquisition of robots, which are reportedly being purchased from a private company for $400,000 each. During the hearing, the petitioner's counsel argued that the actual market price of each robot is $37,000. Furthermore, the payment for these robots is to be made in Dubai.

The university had issued a tender for this purchase, leading to the selection of the said company.

The petitioner has requested the court to declare the tender process null and void, claiming that the national exchequer is being adversely affected by billions of rupees.

The court has directed the Sindh government, health department, Liaquat Medical University, and other parties to respond by August 29.

Victim’s family seeks FIR against police

The family of Sara Ibrahim Sammon, who was allegedly killed by police gunfire during crossfire with robbers in Gulshan-e-Hadeed, has filed a petition with the Sindh High Court (SHC) requesting the registration of a new murder FIR against the police. The case was previously registered by the police themselves.

The petition, filed by Advocate Ashraf Sammon, argues that the police have registered the case on their own behalf, making them both the perpetrators and the complainants. “We want the case to be registered on behalf of the deceased’s family and for the investigation to commence,” the petition states.

On July 4, the police fired at a vehicle during a shootout in Gulshan-e-Hadeed, which resulted in Sara’s death and injury to her daughter Ghanwa Ibrahim Sammo. Previously, the Malir Court had denied the family’s request to register a new case.