Pakistan’s Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACEP) has commenced legal proceedings against former Health Minister, Dr. Yasmin Rashid, and her daughter, Dr. Ayesha Ali, accusing them of breaching meritocratic systems and abusing their authority. An investigation uncovered that Dr. Rashid allegedly made significant decisions that leant towards nepotism, violating standard protocol and placing her daughter in a position as an assistant professor at Cook Edward Medical University.
The same investigation found that Rashid utilized her influence to secure the appointment for her daughter, despite the merit-based principles. This included Rashid allegedly issuing a fraudulent experience certificate for her daughter and her role in giving undue favor to other candidates during the interview process.
Adding to these allegations, ACEP also pointed out that Dr.Ayesha Ali was above the specified age limit for the role that she was given, at 47 years old, over the specified age limit of 40 for the job. Furthermore, it was found that Ali did not apply for any age relaxation through proper channels, as dictated by the law. Contrary to the rules, Ali also traveled abroad immediately after her appointment.
Dr. Yasmin Rashid is a notable Pakistani politician and a member of ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI). She served as the Provincial Minister of Punjab for Primary & Secondary Healthcare and Specialized Healthcare & Medical Education between 2018 and 2023.
This case is another challenge for PTI as the party faces mounting criticism and legal battles ahead of the future general elections. It is important to note that Khan has previously faced a conviction for a corruption case, where he was accused of selling state gifts. Additionally, the Electoral Commission of Pakistan (ECP) revoked PTI’s election symbol—a decision suspended by the Peshawar High Court—a decision which was also challenged by the ECP in a review petition.
Several PTI nominations for the upcoming general elections were also dismissed by the ECP, leading to many PTI leaders, including former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureishi, being arrested. Notably, Qureishi shared a new year message from jail, advocating for stability and harmony.
In the light of an earlier Supreme Court ruling directing the ECP to guarantee a fair election atmosphere, PTI subsequently accused the ECP of bias and of deliberately sabotaging their party. In response to the perceived lack of impartiality by the ECP, PTI has filed a contempt of court petition in the Supreme Court.
Detailed coverage can be found on JURIST – News.