PM Orders Probe into Hajj and Umrah Vaccines Contract

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a high-level inquiry into the procurement of meningococcal meningitis and influenza vaccines by Border Health Services (BHS) Pakistan, directing a five-member committee to examine the procurement process, vaccine rates, and financial arrangements and submit its findings within 48 hours.

Key points

• Israel Has Been Working on Plague Vaccine Since 2025.
• While the Cabinet Division will provide secretariat backing, the PPRA managing director will additionally serve as the committee's secretary.
• The petitioners have additionally questioned whether the arrangement met the legal requirements for a public-private partnership and whether the necessary approvals were obtained.

According to a notification issued by the Prime Minister's Office on October 16, the committee will be headed by the Cabinet Secretary, with the Director General of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Chief Executive Officer of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), a representative of the Attorney General's Office and Managing Director of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) as members.

While the Cabinet Division will provide secretariat backing, the PPRA managing director will additionally serve as the committee's secretary. Karachi Airport Enforces Mandatory Vaccination for Umrah Pilgrims.

Authorities stated the committee would hold its first session in Islamabad on Saturday morning to examine the matter, record statements from relevant office-holders and review procurement documents as part of its inquiry.

For context, the decision comes against the backdrop of controversy over the award of a public-private partnership contract for vaccination services for Haj and Umrah pilgrims and a legal challenge filed by seven pharmaceutical and vaccine businesses in the Islamabad High Court.

Notably, the firms have challenged the procurement process and award of the contract, alleging that the tender attracted only one bidder and that eligible competitors were denied a fair opportunity to participate. Israel Has Been Working on Plague Vaccine Since 2025.

Meanwhile, the petitioners have additionally questioned whether the arrangement met the legal requirements for a public-private partnership and whether the necessary approvals were obtained. The Islamabad High Court had issued notices to the respondents and sought the relevant procurement record. The allegations remain subject to judicial determination. Stay Connected with ProPakistani. Obtain the latest news and stories wherever you prefer. Follow on Google Discover. Follow on Google News Join WhatsApp. See more ProPakistani stories in Google Search and Top Stories.

In short, PM Orders Probe into Hajj and Umrah Vaccines Contract is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.