HYDERABAD: A Sindh High Court division bench, comprising Justice Adnanul Karim Memon and Justice Zulfiqar Ali Sangi, has ordered a detailed report within two weeks regarding the controversial Rs2.133 billion procurement of robotic surgery systems for Liaquat University Hospital (LUH).

The order was issued at the principal seat on May 11 during the hearing of two public-interest petitions challenging the acquisition of robots for the LUH and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC). The petitioner, Khawar Mehmood Afridi, represented by advocates Asim Iqbal and Farm­anullah, alleges a massive embezzlement scheme involving government officials and private contractors.

In the LUH case, petitioner cited the health secretary, M/s Ontech Corporation, LUH Hyderabad/Jamshoro, Markham Finisher FZE and Sindh Public Procurement Regulatory Authority as respondents. The petition would be taken up for hearing after two weeks.

The petitioner’s counsel highlighted a letter dated May 15, 2025, stating that while Rs2.133 billion had been sanctioned for the robotic systems, no such equipment had been procured. The LUH medical superintendent (MS) reportedly informed the Sindh health secretary that the hospital is currently struggling with a shortage of basic life-saving machinery, rising patient loads, and high bed occupancy. The correspondence suggested that, due to financial constraints and a lack of trained technical staff to operate or maintain complex robotics, the funds should instead be reallocated to upgrade essential medical facilities across various departments.

Court summons all respondents at next hearing

The court was informed of startling discrepancies in the bidding process, with the petitioner claiming the actual cost of a robotic system is approximately $37,500, yet the procurement price was allegedly inflated manifold to siphon off public funds.

Further allegations include a demand for third-party payments to a firm in Dubai rather than Karachi, suggesting official collusion in a money-laundering scheme. It was also noted that former caretaker health minister Dr Saad Khalid Niaz had previously halted a Rs4.427 billion deal for four robotic systems, a move that reportedly frustrated the intended beneficiaries of the contract.

The LUH MS confirmed that the hospital had received directives from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Feb 9, 2024 to provide details of the robotic surgery project. Despite the health department previously halting the process in late 2023, no formal re-appropriation of funds for essential equipment has taken place. Noting the “apathy” of the respondents, the bench issued notices to all concerned parties to appear and assist the court. The petitioner has prayed for the entire tendering process to be set aside and for the government to be restrained from making further payments, with the case set to resume in two weeks.

Published in Dawn, May 14th, 2026