PESHAWAR: An audit report has raised questions over the appointment of Muhammad Tariq to a senior administrative position at Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) in Peshawar, citing concerns about his qualifications, professional experience and the transparency of the selection process.
According to the report, Tariq was appointed Associate Hospital Director on January 16, 2017, through the hospital’s Selection and Promotion Committee. He was subsequently appointed Hospital Director during the tenure of the former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, despite objections raised over his eligibility, according to the allegations presented in the account.
The audit found that Tariq received a total of Rs21.88 million over 43 months through August 2019, at a fixed monthly salary of Rs508,892.
Audit flags eligibility concerns
According to the audit, the position required a master’s degree in hospital or health services management, business management, public health or public administration, along with at least seven years of administrative-level experience.
However, the report stated that Tariq had obtained an MBA in 2010 and did not have the required seven years of post-degree experience when he applied for and secured the position.
The audit also identified discrepancies in his educational and professional records. In particular, it noted differences between the employment periods recorded in his curriculum vitae and those stated in experience certificates from Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and the organisation Sahara.
Furthermore, the report highlighted an apparent inconsistency in the dates associated with his employment at the two organisations.
It stated that an experience certificate issued by Sahara on December 16, 2008, covered an employment period extending until January 20, 2009.
Inquiry and recovery recommended
In light of these findings, the audit described the selection process as questionable and lacking transparency. It also concluded that eligible candidates may have been deprived of an opportunity because the appointee did not meet the stated experience requirement.
Consequently, the report recommended a high-level inquiry into the appointment. It also called for the allegations to be investigated by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), the Anti-Corruption Department and the Government Inspection Team.
In addition, the auditors recommended examining the recovery of the amount paid in accordance with the applicable rules.
The account further alleges that the former PTI government elevated Tariq to the hospital’s top administrative position despite the audit objections and recommendations for investigation and recovery. However, independent documentary evidence establishing the reasons for his subsequent appointment was not provided in the material available for this report.
Questions over appointment process
The issue reportedly drew renewed attention when Adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Information Samar Haroon Bilour visited children injured in a school tragedy at the hospital and learned that the Hospital Director was not a medical doctor.
The allegations have also raised broader questions about merit, recruitment procedures and accountability at one of Peshawar’s major public-sector hospitals.
However, the audit findings and allegations do not, by themselves, establish criminal wrongdoing. The available material does not include responses from Tariq, the hospital administration, the former provincial government or the relevant investigating agencies regarding the findings and recommendations.
Any final determination of responsibility would depend on the outcome of the relevant inquiries and investigations.
