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LAHORE, April 22: The Supreme Court on Sunday expressed displeasure over the appointment of a dual nationality holder as Commissioner Overseas Pakistanis Commission (OPC) Punjab and Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) board member.
A two-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, was hearing a case pertaining to alleged irregularities in PIC.
In response to court summons, health minister Khawaja Salman Rafique and top health officials as well as the PIC head appeared in court.
The bench observed that it would delve into the matter to look for irregularities in the affairs of PIC and added the matter is being referred to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for a probe.
The court directed the officials present in the courtroom to be in attendance on next hearing on April 28.
Addressing the minister, the chief justice said this all is happening despite his holding the ministerial portfolio of the health department and added this will make up for a charge-sheet against him.
He asked how Afzaal Bhatti who holds dual nationality has been appointed as OPC commissioner and asked him to inform how much salary he has been receiving. Upon this he replied he is being paid Rs55,0000 a month.
While the Punjab chief secretary received Rs18,0000 a month, had the commissioner had special qualities that he is being paid a hefty salary, wondered Justice Nisar.-DNA
