MTI Bannu acting MD resigns over ‘interference’

PESHAWAR: Prof Dr Muhammad Iqbal, the acting Medical Director of MTI Bannu, has resigned from his post, citing blatant interference, political pressure and attempted corruption by members of the Board of Governors (BOG).

In a damning resignation letter, he allegedly blamed how his merit-based selection was sabotaged, including an alleged extortion attempt of Rs15 million in exchange for the position.

Sources confirmed that several other doctors resigned from the hospital due to political interference and pressure. A few board members were involved in day-to-day affairs. The post of chairman BoG was also vacant due to Dr Saeed Ullah’s resignation in April.

The controversy began when Dr Iqbal, an ENT professor, applied for the full-time role of medical director and was recommended by the selection committee. However, powerful figures within the BoG allegedly manipulated scoring criteria to block his appointment. When that failed, a relative of a BoG member reportedly demanded a bribe — an offer Dr Iqbal refused and reported. Despite the policy board endorsing the selection process, his appointment was delayed under dubious circumstances, including the forced resignations of key officials.

Meanwhile, BoG members continued to violate protocols by meddling in hospital operations and unlawfully issuing NOCs for civil servant placements — actions directly against MTI regulations.

Frustrated by the toxic environment, Dr Iqbal stepped down, vowing to return only when fairness and merit prevail, said his resignation, copied to top provincial authorities.

When contacted, acting Chairman BoG Dr Farman Wazir rejected the allegations, stating that Dr Iqbal was selected for the post of medical director. He explained that Dr Iqbal was a permanent employee of the Health Department and was required to resign in order to formally join the MTI as Medical Director, but he refused to do so.

Dr Farman Wazir added that resignation from the Health Department is mandatory for assuming the medical director position under MTI rules. He further stated that although Dr Iqbal was asked to provide proof or evidence of the alleged bribe offer, he failed to present any.

He emphasized that the MTI Hospital and Medical College are being run under strict guidelines and procedures laid down by the MTI Act. He also disclosed that he had ordered an audit of the past three years to ensure transparency.

Dr Farman said that his appointment as BoG chairman had been approved by the chief minister, but he is currently serving in an acting capacity.