ISLAMABAD — The federal government has officially terminated a contentious vaccine procurement contract awarded for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims after a high-level inquiry identified severe procedural irregularities, regulatory bypasses, and unjustified cost escalations in the tender process.
High-Powered Inquiry Committee Findings
The contract, managed under Border Health Services (BHS) for the supply of essential meningococcal meningitis and seasonal influenza vaccines, had sparked widespread public concern and legal petitions over inflated pricing structures that threatened to drive vaccination charges for pilgrims up to Rs4,500. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an immediate multi-agency investigation headed by the Cabinet Division secretary, comprising the Chief Executive Officer of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), the Director-General of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), and representatives from the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) and the Attorney General's office.
The inquiry panel uncovered that BHS officials had bypassed official ministry oversight mechanisms, unlawfully establishing unauthorized parallel procurement and grievance redressal committees. Furthermore, seven prominent pharmaceutical companies had approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC), citing lack of transparency and non-compliance with statutory procurement rules.
Arrests and Regulatory Enforcement
Acting on the committee's conclusive findings, the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination cancelled the procurement agreement in its entirety. Law enforcement authorities arrested three officials directly implicated in facilitating the unauthorized tender and violating mandatory DRAP pricing ceilings.
Federal authorities confirmed that departmental proceedings and formal anti-corruption investigations have been initiated against all individuals responsible for compromising regulatory standards in the essential healthcare supply chain.
Smooth Transit Arrangements and Fresh Open Tender
Addressing disruptions at transit hubs — including airport vaccination counters at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi — the health ministry confirmed that interim supplies have been mobilized through authorized public health directorates to ensure intending Umrah pilgrims face no impediments to their international travel schedules.
The ministry affirmed that a transparent, competitive tender will be advertised within one month under strict PPRA rules and DRAP regulatory oversight, ensuring affordable, certified vaccines for all international travelers and pilgrims. For ongoing coverage of national health governance, regulatory oversight, and public administration, check our latest Pakistan news updates on Pak Pulse 247.