Federal government fails to comply with Islamabad High Court order on PNMC leadership reinstatement
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has come under increasing criticism for failing to comply with a binding ruling of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) regarding the leadership of the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC). Despite a clear order issued nearly a month ago, the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSR&C) has not reinstated Mr. Jawad Amin Khan as President and Mr. Shahid Hussain as Vice President, as directed by the court.
On June 12, 2025, the IHC nullified two government notifications dated November 3 and November 8, 2023, which had removed both officials from their positions. The court termed the actions “without any lawful consequence” and ordered the federal government to issue reinstatement notifications within one week. It further declared the appointment of Ms. Farzana Zulfiqar as President null and void.
PNMC operations affected by leadership vacuum
Despite these directions, no official notification has been issued to date, raising questions about governance, rule of law, and the council’s operational capacity. The PNMC, Pakistan’s apex body for nursing and midwifery regulation, is reportedly facing administrative paralysis, affecting essential decisions on nursing education, licensure, and coordination with provincial councils.
Insiders from the Council confirm that key policy matters remain unresolved, delaying processes crucial for students, academic institutions, and practicing professionals across Pakistan.
Legal, ethical, and procedural concerns
Compounding the situation, Ms. Farzana Zulfiqar—whose appointment was invalidated by the IHC—is reported to be continuing in the role. She also faces criminal proceedings following the lodging of an FIR by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for allegedly submitting fake nursing degrees. She is currently out on bail.
In addition, her election as Member from Gilgit-Baltistan, which served as the basis for her seat in the Council, is also under scrutiny. The federal government has officially denied holding any election for this post, casting doubt on the legitimacy of her Council membership.
Another concern raised by PNMC stakeholders involves the current acting secretary, Ms. Yasmin Azad, who is reportedly a BPS-16 charge nurse from Polyclinic Hospital. She is said to be occupying the BPS-20 post of Secretary PNMC without formal appointment or approval from the Council. Observers claim this situation violates service rules and Council bylaws, potentially rendering administrative decisions made during her tenure legally questionable.
Risk of contempt proceedings and institutional breakdown
Legal experts say the federal government’s inaction could potentially lead to contempt of court proceedings, while also eroding confidence in the government’s commitment to judicial independence and health sector governance.
The situation has led to growing calls for immediate compliance with the IHC judgment, as the ongoing leadership crisis continues to jeopardize the PNMC’s credibility, performance, and regulatory function.
A test of governance and rule of law
The silence from the Ministry of NHSR&C has fueled concern among healthcare professionals, civil society groups, and legal observers. Many stress that the federal government must act swiftly to uphold the judiciary’s authority, ensure transparency in public appointments, and restore effective regulatory oversight in the country’s nursing sector.
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