Official relieved from duty over alleged funds embezzlement

LAHORE:The Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Department (SHC&MED) has rectified its earlier decision of the posting of Deputy Director Finance in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH), Lahore, removing the incumbent upon finding registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against him due to his alleged involvement in misappropriation of government funds.

It is learnt that an FIR was registered against Audit Officer at SGRH, among others due to his alleged involvement in misappropriation of government funds to the tune of Rs140 million in the audit report for the financial years 2021-22 and 2022-23.

In a notification dated 26.05.2025, the SHC&MED posted Muhammad Israr Ul Haq, Deputy Director Finance / Senior Budget and Accounts Officer, awaiting posting in SHC & ME Department, currently adjusted in Children's Hospital, Lahore, for pay purpose only, as Deputy Director Finance / Senior Budget & Accounts Officer in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore, with immediate effect.

However, in a notification issued on 13.06.2025, the department reversed its decision as relieved Muhammad Israr UI Haq, Deputy Director Finance / Senior Budget & Accounts Officer in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore, from his duties and directed him to report back to Specialized Healthcare & Medical Education Department, on administrative grounds, with immediate effect.

It is learnt that the proceedings under Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability (PEEDA) Act, 2006, were also initiated against him. The official sources, however, claimed that the said officer, who had been accused of financial embezzlement, had served for almost three weeks on a post with access to all the financial record of the hospital. The SHC&MED spokesman confirmed that the appointment of the officer has been withdrawn on administrative grounds.