KARACHI: Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) has formally submitted a detailed complaint to Chief Minister Sindh, Murad Ali Shah, revealing massive corruption and financial irregularities exceeding PKR 40 billion at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Karachi.
The complaint, dated June 13, 2024, is based on the Audit Report 2023–24 issued by the Director General Audit Sindh and includes specific annexures substantiating the claims. TIP has requested immediate action against responsible officials, prominently including Dr. Saghir Ahmed Shaikh, who has been identified as the Executive Director, NICVD during the period under audit.
Key audit findings, alleged losses
The complaint cites major violations leading to extensive financial damage to the public exchequer:
- PKR 7.30 billion in inflated salaries, allowances, and perks granted to employees during FY 2023–24.
- PKR 740 million in questionable payments made to contractors, without following proper procurement rules.
- PKR 170 million in losses related to illegal appointments of 10 individuals, in violation of rules.
These individuals are listed in the complaint as:
- Kashif
- Altaf
- Mateen
- Syed Fazal Abbas
- Dawar Hussain
- Syed Khurshid Haider
- Khaleel Ahmed Khan
- Faisal Abdul Sattar
- (Two additional names were mentioned in annexures but not disclosed publicly for legal reasons.)
- Widespread violations of Sindh Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (SPPRA) rules, particularly in tendering processes, favoring specific vendors without transparency.
Serious misuse of public funds
Transparency International emphasized that NICVD operates entirely on public funds and government grants, making financial transparency and legal compliance mandatory. The complaint highlights systemic manipulation of financial rules, unlawful discretionary powers, and repeated audit objections that were left unresolved year after year.
The organization strongly recommends a thorough, impartial inquiry into the allegations and has urged the Chief Minister to hold all responsible officials accountable, while initiating recovery proceedings for public losses.
No public response yet
As of this report, no public statement has been issued by NICVD or the Government of Sindh. The matter is expected to draw attention from anti-corruption bodies and judicial oversight, given the scale of losses and the institution’s importance in providing critical cardiac care to the public.
Conclusion
The Transparency International Pakistan letter represents one of the most significant whistleblowing efforts against a major public health institution in recent years. The financial irregularities identified at NICVD could have serious implications for healthcare delivery, public trust, and fiscal governance in Sindh.
✅ This report is based strictly and entirely on official documentation from Transparency International Pakistan’s letter dated June 13, 2024, and the Audit Report 2023–24 by DG Audit Sindh.
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