BANNU: The board of governors (BoG) of the Medical Teaching Institution Bannu on Monday suspended Medical Director Dr Noor Mohammad over “concerns” about clinical governance, supervision and performance.

According to a notification issued by the BoG, the decision was taken in light of the recent “performance reviews and ongoing concerns”.

It said that a formal inquiry would be conducted into Dr Noor Mohammad’s responsibilities and matters related to clinical governance during his suspension.

BoG Chairman Prof Khalid Mehmood confirmed the suspension, saying it will remain in place until further orders.

The board appointed assistant professor of cardiology Dr Farmanullah as the acting medical director, who will perform the additional responsibilities along with his existing duties and salary until further notice.

Copies of the notification were sent to the dean of Bannu Medical College, hospital director, finance director, nursing director, associate hospital directors and other officials for necessary action.

Earlier, the protesting PTI workers visited the Khalifa Gul Nawaz Hospital over complaints of harassment, mismanagement, corruption and negligence in the MTI Bannu.

They demanded the removal of the medical director and a transparent inquiry under the chairmanship of the commissioner into the alleged harassment of a woman doctor as well as administrative irregularities.

The protesters were led by PTI district president Malik Gulbaz Khan and general secretary Malik Iqbal Jadoon and accompanied by former chairman Domail Israr Khan, former Domail nazim Fida Mohammad Khan Wazir and party leaders Nasir Ali Shah and others.

The situation escalated when talks with hospital management failed, prompting PTI workers to surround the offices of the medical director and hostel.

However, the MD had already left the premises. PTI workers demanded the removal of the official in question and expressed a lack of confidence in the departmental committee probing the matter.

Dr Noor Mohammad rejected the allegations.

During a news conference at Bannu Press Club, he claimed that the WhatsApp audio messages were sent to seek a suitable marriage proposal for his son and that photographs were requested for family consultation.

He alleged that certain elements were politicising the issue to mislead PTI leadership and people as well.

Meanwhile, the relevant woman medical officer filed a formal complaint with the board of governors about the alleged harassment, mental pressure and repeated transfers and demanded a fair and independent investigation.

Published in Dawn, May 26th, 2026