CMU national coordinator removed

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has removed Dr Qasim Abbas from the position of National Coordinator of the Common Management Unit (CMU) for AIDS, TB, and Malaria a highly sensitive and donor-funded program.

According to official notifications seen by The News, CMU operations will now be temporarily managed by the office of the Additional Secretary, NHSR&C. The removal of Dr Qasim comes at a time when Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Engr Amir Muqam has sought appointment of his brother, Dr Musa Khan, to the BS-21 post.

“Islamabad suits him, he lives here, and he has served at the PIMS in the past. He deserves a respectable post,” Muqam had told The News, confirming contents of a letter he wrote to the health ministry.

Meanwhile, Despite the surrender of his services, Mirza Nasir continues to function as special secretary, attending official meetings.

During a recent session of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Health, when questioned by MNAs about his presence, he stated, “I will relinquish my charge when the prime minister directs me.”