FIA arrests main accused in alleged Rs2.445 billion vaccine procurement scandal

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested a senior official of Border Health Services Pakistan (BHS-P) in connection

ISLAMABAD:  The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested a senior official of Border Health Services Pakistan (BHS-P) in connection with an alleged Rs2.445 billion vaccine procurement scandal involving suspected financial irregularities, violations of procurement rules and complaints of workplace violence. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also reportedly taken notice of the matter.

According to FIR No. 61/2026, registered by the FIA’s Anti-Corruption Circle Islamabad on October 20, nine individuals, including former and serving BHS-P officials, a Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) official and representatives of private company Pharma Connect, have been nominated in the case.

The arrested suspect, Dr Syed Ghulam Murtaza Shah, has reportedly been granted seven days’ physical remand by the court as the investigation continues.

Alleged irregularities in vaccine contract

According to the FIR, the accused allegedly colluded with Pharma Connect to manipulate the procurement process for a five-year contract covering meningococcal ACWY and influenza vaccines for 2026 onwards.

The investigation alleges that the contract was awarded on the basis of a single bid without a market survey, independent cost estimates or a comparative assessment of prices against DRAP-notified maximum retail prices.

The FIR further alleges that the company was declared technically responsive despite lacking a mandatory DRAP licence under the relevant bidding requirements.

Investigators have also questioned the composition of the procurement committee, alleging that former BHS-P director Dr Pardeep Kumar replaced an earlier committee, appointed himself its chairman and approved bidding documents that allegedly lacked essential details, including quantities, payment terms and objective evaluation criteria.

Questions over vaccine prices

According to the complaint, the contractual rate for a complete vaccination was fixed at Rs3,475, while the combined DRAP-notified price of the vaccines was cited as Rs2,638 under the Ministry of Religious Affairs rate. The complaint also refers to a figure of Rs2,660 for the relevant vaccines.

An additional operational margin of Rs700 per complete vaccination and a NADRA fee of Rs280 reportedly brought the total amount payable by each beneficiary to approximately Rs4,450.

The complainants allege that the pricing arrangement placed an unnecessary financial burden on Pakistani workers travelling to Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Umrah pilgrims and other international travellers.

The FIR estimates annual requirements of 600,000 complete vaccinations over five years. It places the projected contract cost at Rs10.445 billion, compared with Rs7.980 billion calculated using the cited DRAP prices, alleging an excess of approximately Rs2.445 billion.

Separate allegations of workplace mistreatment

The controversy has also prompted complaints about the treatment of employees within BHS-P.

According to written complaints cited in the report, Dr Ghulam Murtaza Shah allegedly exercised excessive authority, required junior staff to work late without additional payment and threatened employees with dismissal and eviction from government accommodation.

Complainants have also alleged that staff members Dr Naveed Memon, clerk Ijaz and watchman Ghulam Ali were assaulted during duty hours. These allegations have not been independently established.
Investigation underway

The case is being investigated by FIA Inspector Faheem Mustafa Raja. Authorities are examining the roles of the nominated individuals and whether others were involved in the alleged procurement irregularities.

The final findings and any further legal action will depend on the investigation and judicial proceedings.

All accused persons are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of law.