A citizen, Haji Muhammad Hussain, had lodged a complaint with the ombudsperson, accusing former Jhang health chief executive officer Dr Shahzad of misappropriating public funds through inflated fuel bills and vehicle maintenance expenses.
District Adviser to the Ombudsperson Chaudhry Almas conducted an inquiry into the allegations. In his written response, Dr Shahzad maintained that his official vehicle had been extensively used to monitor health programmes in Jhang and surrounding areas, arguing that the fuel and repair costs were justified.
However, the inquiry report found the allegations against him to be substantiated. The Punjab ombudsperson subsequently directed the health secretary to initiate a formal departmental inquiry and take appropriate action.
Dr Shahzad challenged the order before the Punjab governor, but his appeal has now been dismissed. The governor upheld the ombudsperson’s directions, requiring the health department to proceed with the matter in accordance with the order.
