SC Directs Govt To Make Decision On PKLI's Control Within Two-week

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Dec, 2018 ) :Supreme Court on Friday directed the Punjab government to make decision regarding the administrative control of Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI) trust within two weeks.

A three judge bench headed by Chief Justice Mian Saaib Nisar also directed the authorities to include the Surgeon General of Pakistan in the administrative committee of PKLI. During the course of proceedings, the Chief Justice expressed dismay over the working conditions of the PKLI. He remarked that no work was being done while all health-related operations had been halted in PKLI. Meanwhile, Additional Secretary Health apprised the bench that the law was being changed regarding the ownership of trusts and a proposal has been sent to the cabinet," he added.

The Chief Justice said that we asked what needs to be done with the trust. Rs 22 billion has been spent and all the money has been given to a trust, he said.

Addressing to the Incharge at PKLI Dr Saeed Akhtar, the Chief Justice asked, why you have taken Rs 2 million as salary in the last three years? Dr. Saeed Akhtar responded and said that he had not taken any salary from PKLI adding that our team had done 21 kidney transplants, in PKLI.

Justice Nisar said that this hospital was initially constructed for a liver transplant. Kidney operations were being done in other places, he added. You were very close to Shehbaz Sharif. If you want, I can tell you how you met Shehbaz Sharif.

The Chief Justice continued and said that the trust was made by the former chief minister for a certain reason. Have you ever put any money in it?" Justice Nisar asked Mr Saeed.

Till today not a single liver transplant was done adding that five hospitals could be built with the cost of Rs34 billion.

This case should be handed over to the National Accountability Bureau or Anti-Corruption department. Rs22 billion have been spent but not a single liver operation has been done but these people are taking billions in salary."Subsequently, the court directed the provincial government to make a decision regarding the control of PKLI in two weeks that whether it would be in control of the Punjab government or it would be a trust.

The hearing was then adjourned for two weeks.