TOBA TEK SINGH: The governor has upheld the Punjab ombudsperson’s order in a case involving alleged embezzlement of millions of rupees from the Jhang District Health Authority’s funds and directed the health secretary to initiate departmental proceedings against the former health chief executive officer (CEO).

A citizen, Haji Muhammad Hussain, had lodged a complaint with the ombudsperson, alleging misappropriation of funds through inflated fuel bills and vehicle maintenance expenses.

District Adviser to the Ombudsperson Chaudhry Almas conducted an inquiry into the allegations. In his written reply, the accused, Dr Shahzad, maintained that his official vehicle had been extensively used to monitor health programmes across Jhang and adjoining areas, arguing that the fuel and repair expenses were justified.

However, the inquiry report found him guilty of the charges. The Punjab ombudsperson subsequently directed the health secretary to conduct a regular departmental inquiry and take appropriate action.

Upholds ombudsperson’s order, directs secretary to initiate proceeding against official

Dr Shahzad, the former health CEO of Jhang, challenged the ombudsperson’s order before the governor. The governor has now dismissed his appeal and upheld the original directions, requiring the health department to proceed in accordance with the order.

GARBAGE SITE: A garbage dumping site in Faisalabad’s Madina Town has been removed after remaining in the locality for two decades, following complaints by residents about its foul smell and alleged health hazards.

Residents of surrounding neighbourhoods had repeatedly urged the Faisalabad Municipal Corporation to relocate the dumping site.

Commissioner Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh visited the site a few days ago, where local resident Sardar Sajid Aleem informed him that the foul smell had caused health problems, including asthma, among members of his family.

He also told the commissioner that around 70,000 residents living in 2,100 houses near the dumping site had been facing difficulties because of the accumulated waste.

Taking notice of the complaints, the commissioner directed the immediate relocation of the dumping site outside the residential area.

Following his instructions, the site has been cleared, and work on the construction of a public park at the same location has also begun.

SENTENCED: An additional district and sessions judge in Shahkot, Nankana Sahib, Muhammad Mansoor Atta, on Saturday sentenced a drug dealer to nine years in prison and imposed a fine of Rs80,000 in a narcotics case.

Shahkot Saddar police had arrested the convict, Muhammad Nadeem, in 2025 after allegedly recovering a large quantity of narcotics from him.

According to the prosecution, the accused had brought the drugs to Shahkot for supply to local drug dealers.

After hearing the case, the court convicted him and awarded the prison term along with the fine.

WALK: The Punjab Institute of Nuclear Medicine (Pinum) Cancer Hospital, Faisalabad, organised an awareness walk to highlight the importance of early detection and timely treatment of breast cancer.

Doctors, paramedical staff, other hospital employees, members of the public, cancer patients and their family members participated in the walk.

The event was led by Pinum Cancer Hospital Director Dr Hafiz Khushnaseeb Ahmed Laghari and Regional Director Consultant Dr Asghar Butt.

Head of Oncology Dr Ijaz Khan, Dr Saira Zafar, consultant surgeon Dr Naeem, Dr Rabia Tanveer and other doctors and paramedical staff were also present.

During the event, Dr Saira Zafar and Prof Dr Saira Saleem of Madina Teaching Hospital delivered lectures on breast cancer.

They briefed participants on the symptoms of the disease, the importance of timely diagnosis, preventive measures and modern treatment methods.

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2026