NISHTAR medical University Multan : Allegations of nepotism emerge over cancer center appointment

Allegations of nepotism have emerged over recent contract-based appointments at the newly established 100-bedded Cancer Center at Nishtar

LAHORE: Allegations of nepotism have emerged over recent contract-based appointments at the newly established 100-bedded Cancer Center at Nishtar Hospital Multan, with questions being raised about the transparency and fairness of the recruitment process.

According to official notifications issued on August 11 and August 24, 2026, three doctors were appointed as Medical Officers (BS-17) on a three-year contract at the newly established cancer facility.

The appointed doctors are Dr. Attayaba Khan, appointed as Woman Medical Officer; Dr. Mishal Arif Kamal, also appointed as Woman Medical Officer; and Dr. Zaid Bin Abdul Qadir, appointed as Medical Officer.

The notifications state that the appointments were made on the recommendations of the Selection Committee. They further specify that verification of the appointed doctors’ documents would be the responsibility of the concerned Principal or Head of the institution.

Sources within Nishtar Medical University have alleged that Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mahnaz Khakwani served as the convener or chairperson of the selection committee responsible for the appointments.

The sources have further alleged that Dr. Attayaba Khan is the niece of Dr. Mahnaz Khakwani, while Dr. Mishal Arif Kamal is described as the daughter-in-law of the vice-chancellor’s sister. They have also claimed that Dr. Zaid Bin Abdul Qadir is the son of Nishtar Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Abdul Qadir.

Sources additionally claimed that Dr. Attayaba Bano, described as a gynaecology specialist, has been posted at the newly constructed cancer center.

The allegations have raised questions regarding whether merit was fully observed during the recruitment process. Sources claimed that several gold medalists and highly qualified candidates were unable to secure the positions, while individuals allegedly having close family connections with senior officials were selected.

They described the alleged appointments as an example of nepotism and called it a “murder of merit.”

However, Minute Mirror has not independently verified the alleged family relationships or established whether any conflict of interest occurred during the selection process. The university administration had not issued an official response to the allegations at the time of filing this report.

The Punjab Government, meanwhile, has maintained that merit will be ensured in public-sector appointments.

An official government stance stated that the provincial government, under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, follows a clear policy of meritocracy and that violation of this policy would not be tolerated.

The official notifications clarify that the appointments are subject to verification of the doctors’ credentials, with the responsibility placed on the concerned Principal or Head of Institute.

All three doctors have been appointed on a three-year contract at the newly established 100-bedded cancer facility.

The Specialized Healthcare & Medical Education Department has been approached for clarification regarding the selection criteria, evaluation process and composition of the committee that recommended the appointments.

Meanwhile, civil society representatives in Multan have called for an independent third-party audit of the recruitment process. They said an impartial review could help determine whether the appointments were made strictly according to merit and established government rules.

DISCLAIMER: The allegations concerning family relationships, nepotism and the “murder of merit” are based on claims made by sources speaking to Minute Mirror. These allegations have not been independently verified, and official confirmation or response from Nishtar Medical University and the Punjab Health Department is awaited.