ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court on Monday issued notices to National Health Services (NHS) secretary and Cabinet Division additional secretary seeking explanation that why a permanent chief executive officer (CEO) of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) had not been appointed as yet.

Representatives of both the ministries had been directed to reach in person and submit their replies in the high court on March 10.

A former Health secretary had removed the Drap CEO Sheikh Akhtar Hussain from the seat as his PhD degree was found fake.

However, later an IHC single bench issued a stay order as opportunity of personal hearing was not provided to Mr Hussain. Due to which a committee was formed which provided opportunity of personal hearing in which it was again proved that the degree was fake resultantly the petition was dismissed.

Later, Mr Hussain challenged his removal in the double bench of the IHC. However, the court asked that why permanent head of Drap could not be appointed.

Published in Dawn, March 9th, 2021