Minute Mirror reports followed by action in Suthra Punjab, Jinnah Hospital cases

Developments in Suthra Punjab and the recruitment affairs of Jinnah Hospital Lahore and Allama Iqbal Medical College

LAHORE: Developments in Suthra Punjab and the recruitment affairs of Jinnah Hospital Lahore and Allama Iqbal Medical College have resulted in administrative action following reports and complaints highlighted by Minute Mirror.

Minute Mirror had reported on September 7, 2026, that action could follow once its news clippings and related evidence were presented to Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif. According to sources familiar with the matter, the reports were subsequently placed before the chief minister during a high-level meeting, where concerns regarding Suthra Punjab operations and other administrative issues were discussed.

Minute Mirror had been highlighting alleged irregularities in Suthra Punjab for several weeks, including concerns over reported figures, field performance and administrative matters, particularly in Faisalabad. The newspaper also reported on alleged irregularities involving additional charges and other official appointments.

Following the review, administrative measures were announced in connection with Suthra Punjab operations in several districts. According to the reports, the managing directors of Suthra Punjab in Faisalabad, Kasur and Okara were removed, while monitoring arrangements were strengthened. Measures reportedly include the use of body cameras for field monitoring officers, the establishment of a dedicated monitoring section and greater involvement of deputy commissioners in daily oversight.

The developments came amid concerns over alleged discrepancies in operational figures, manpower and fuel-related matters. However, the allegations remain subject to official scrutiny and further inquiry.

Jinnah Hospital recruitment matter

A separate administrative issue concerns appointments to BS-17 and above positions at Jinnah Hospital Lahore and Allama Iqbal Medical College.

According to information cited by Minute Mirror, the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department had earlier directed the Board of Management to review appointments in these grades and determine whether the required legal procedures and approvals had been followed.

The matter was subsequently reviewed at the institutional level. Prof. Dr Tayyaba Waseem, Principal of Allama Iqbal Medical College, told Minute Mirror that records concerning appointments allegedly made against rules had been forwarded to the Health Department for further action. She said the institution was cooperating with the review and had provided the relevant files.

The Health Department has also initiated scrutiny of the appointments, with officials examining the legal authority, approvals and procedures involved in the recruitment and appointment process. Officials said any violations established during the inquiry would be dealt with under the applicable rules.

As part of the administrative changes, Prof. Dr Hafiz Moinuddin was removed as Medical Superintendent of Jinnah Hospital Lahore. An official notification issued by the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department on September 9 confirmed his removal from the post with immediate effect and assigned Dr Zeeshan Haider additional charge as Medical Superintendent.

Officials said further action, including departmental proceedings or other measures, would depend on the findings of the ongoing reviews.

The developments have highlighted the role of media reporting in bringing administrative concerns into public discussion, while the final responsibility for establishing violations and determining penalties rests with the relevant government authorities.