ISLAMABAD: The Lahore High Court (LHC) Rawalpindi Bench has restrained authorities from proceeding further with a public procurement process involving medical devices after a German company challenged the participation of a bidder allegedly on the basis of forged authorisation documents.

Justice Jawad Hassan of the LHC Rawalpindi Bench, while hearing a petition filed by Osypka Medical GmbH, ordered that status quo be maintained regarding the bidding process until the next date of hearing, fixed for June 29.

The court also directed the Punjab government and authorities concerned to submit a report and para-wise comments within 10 days, specifically requiring the procurement authority to explain whether any inquiry, verification process or proceedings had been initiated against Mediland Pakistan Limited, which has been accused by the petitioner of using allegedly fake authorisation letters during the procurement proceedings.

During the hearing, Advocate Muiz Gul appeared on behalf of the petitioner, while Assistant Advocate General Mohammad Irshad represented the Punjab government.

German firm challenges participation of bidder allegedly on basis of forged authorisation documents

At the outset, the court questioned the maintainability of the petition in the absence of an authorisation letter or board resolution permitting the company to initiate legal proceedings. The petitioner’s counsel acknowledged that the document had inadvertently not been attached and sought time to place the required authorisation on record, which was allowed by the court.

The provincial law officer objected to the maintainability of the petition, arguing that the petitioner had already approached the relevant authority through a pending representation and should first pursue that remedy.

However, the petitioner’s counsel argued that the matter involved the company’s constitutional right to carry on lawful trade and business under Article 18 of the Constitution. He contended that the alleged fraudulent conduct of Respondent No.5 had not only affected the petitioner’s commercial interests and international reputation but also compromised transparency in the public procurement process.

The court was informed that Osypka Medical GmbH, a Germany-based manufacturer of cardiovascular medical devices, including temporary external pacemakers, had alleged that Mediland Pakistan Limited participated in a procurement process on the strength of forged and fabricated authorisation letters purportedly issued by the petitioner company.

The petitioner argued that submission of allegedly fake documents struck at the foundation of a fair and transparent bidding process and required immediate intervention under the Punjab Procurement Regulatory Authority Act, 2009 and Punjab Procurement Rules, 2014.

The counsel referred to provisions of the procurement rules, arguing that authorities have powers to debar or blacklist bidders involved in corrupt or fraudulent practices. Reliance was also placed on an earlier judgement of the LHC in M/s Bio Labs Private Limited versus Province of Punjab, in which the court examined legal principles governing public procurement and rights of bidders.

After hearing initial arguments, Justice Jawad Hassan issued notices to respondents and directed the law officer to obtain instructions from the relevant departments.

The court observed that since the petitioner had pointed out alleged illegality in the bidding process and questions had arisen regarding the authenticity, legal effect and evidentiary value of certain documents, the balance of convenience favoured granting interim protection.

Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2026