PESHAWAR: The Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC) has suspended its director (finance) for allegedly failing to produce verified documents regarding his qualifications, obstructing and delaying financial matters, blocking of the hospital’s third-party audit and being in the habit of coming to work late.
Mohammad Aftab, a senior finance officer, will look after the finance department in the absence of Ikramullah Jan, according to an order issued by hospital director Dr Gulzar Ahmad Khan.
Officials told Dawn that director Jan was on probation under the terms of his appointment. They added that the director’s service confirmation and continuation remained subject to satisfactory conduct, strict compliance with institutional rules, verification of credentials and satisfactory job performance.
Officials said the director (finance) was responsible for financial management, payroll administration, the timely preparation and disbursement of salaries, financial controls, reconciliation of institutional accounts, maintenance of financial records, audit compliance and implementation of lawful financial and administrative directions.
ACE recently found irregularities in key appointments
They said under the Medical Teaching Institutions Reforms Act (MTIRA), 2015, the hospital director was statutorily responsible for the effective administration and management of the hospital, including non-clinical functions, preparation of the annual budget and business plan for presentation as well as maintenance of buildings and engineering services.
According to the approved organogram of MTI HMC, the finance department falls directly under the hospital director.
The HMC order said that serious allegations and reports of deliberate non-cooperation and obstruction during the financial audit had been received.
It noted that the director (finance) had allegedly wilfully withheld vital financial information, records and documents required by the audit team.
The order insisted that the records were available in the finance department but the director had attempted to obstruct the audit and undermine statutory reporting and transparency.
“In view of the serious concerns and allegations relating to financial and administrative matters, it is necessary to suspend the director (finance) pending further orders and completion of the requisite proceedings, in exercise of the applicable statutory and administrative powers and subject to the relevant provisions of the Act and the terms and conditions of his appointment,” the order read.
It added that the suspension was also intended to safeguard institutional records, ensure uninterrupted administrative functioning and protect the institution’s financial interests.
The HMC order said in September, the hospital’s human resources department had asked director Jan to submit a verified certificate of membership and registration with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants but he failed to do so.
The anti-corruption establishment recently found irregularities in key appointments to the HMC.
The order noted that the hospital director, as the principal accounting officer, had to be kept informed of all institutional financial matters but the office of the director (finance) bypassed him in key financial transactions, operations and decision-making processes.
The hospital director also claimed administrative violations in the finance department, including bypassing the prescribed organisational channels and supervisory authorities and submitting official matters, files and reports directly to the secretary of the board of governors without following the proper institutional hierarchy.
He also identified the director (finance) as a habitual latecomer who failed to observe official working hours, constituting chronic negligence of duty, a lack of professional discipline and a direct violation of institutional policies.
“Director Jan withheld, delayed and stopped legitimate financial payments, vendor bills and essential operational funds crucial for maintaining uninterrupted patient care and hospital supplies, an action that directly jeopardises hospital operations and compromises patient health and safety,” the order read.
The hospital director recommended the immediate review of all disputed salary enhancements, incentives and additional remuneration to prevent further avoidable losses to the public exchequer.
The HMC director (finance) could not be reached for comment.
Published in Dawn, October 28th, 2026
