Ousted DG Health reinstated

Court told no evidence against official of accepting bribe

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Services Tribunal has suspended the termination notification of former Director General of Health Services, Dr Shaukat Ali, and ordered his reinstatement.

Tribunal member Rashida Bano heard Dr Shaukat Ali's appeal, in which he stated that he was the former DG of Health Services and had previously served in various positions, receiving promotions due to his excellent performance.

During the hearing, the appellant's lawyer, Qazi Jawad Ehsanullah, informed the tribunal that Dr Shaukat Ali is a Grade 20 officer in the management cadre and was appointed DG Health on January 17, 2023. However, during his tenure, he was accused of allegedly accepting money for the transfer of a female doctor, though no evidence was provided to support this claim.

He explained that based on these accusations, Dr Shaukat Ali was removed from his position on May 16, 2024, without being issued a show-cause notice or given an opportunity to be heard, which indicated bad faith on the part of the authorities.

The lawyer further stated that Dr Shaukat Ali had submitted a petition to the department against his dismissal, but no action was taken, leading him to approach the Peshawar High Court and later the Service Tribunal.

He requested the tribunal to nullify the termination notification and allow Dr Shaukat Ali to complete his three-year term in the relevant position.

After hearing the arguments, the tribunal suspended the termination notification and issued a notice to the concerned authorities, seeking their response.