Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a high-level inquiry into the procurement of meningococcal meningitis and influenza vaccines by Border Health Services (BHS) Pakistan, directing a five-member committee to examine the procurement process, vaccine prices and financial arrangements and submit its findings within 48 hours.
According to a notification issued by the Prime Minister's Office on 16 October, the committee will be headed by the Cabinet Secretary, with the Director General of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Chief Executive Officer of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), a representative of the Attorney General's Office and Managing Director of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) as members.
The PPRA managing director will also serve as the committee's secretary, while the Cabinet Division will provide secretariat support. Officials said the committee would hold its first meeting in Islamabad on Saturday morning to examine the matter, record statements from relevant officials and review procurement documents as part of its inquiry.
The decision comes amid controversy over the award of a public-private partnership contract for vaccination services for Haj and Umrah pilgrims and a legal challenge filed by seven pharmaceutical and vaccine companies in the Islamabad High Court. The companies have challenged the procurement process and award of the contract, alleging that the tender attracted only one bidder and that eligible competitors were denied a fair opportunity to participate.
The petitioners have also questioned whether the arrangement met the legal requirements for a public-private partnership and whether the necessary approvals were obtained. The Islamabad High Court had issued notices to the respondents and sought the relevant procurement record.
Legal experts and health sector analysts have noted that transparent procurement processes are vital for public trust, especially when dealing with essential vaccines for religious pilgrims traveling abroad in large numbers. The federal government has repeatedly emphasized its commitment to transparency, good governance, and accountability across all public departments and autonomous bodies to prevent financial irregularities.
Further updates regarding the findings of the five-member committee and the subsequent administrative or legal actions are expected to be released by the Cabinet Division following the completion of the inquiry. The allegations remain subject to judicial determination as the Islamabad High Court continues to review the arguments presented by both the petitioners and the government respondents.