Newly-appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Health, Chakwal, Dr Waseem Ahmed has been removed from his post, reportedly for being an Ahmadi.
According to a notification issued by the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department (P&SHD) Punjab on August 31, Dr Ahmed was asked to relinquish his charge and to report to the P&SHD.
Dr Ahmed was appointed as CEO Health, Chakwal on August 20 and assumed charge on August 24. Soon after his appointment, a few religious organisations, with Tahafuz-e -Khatam Nabuwwat being on the forefront, and launched a hate campaign against him and demanded authorities to remove him from his post.
Meanwhile, local news media outlets have also joined the hate campaign against Dr Waseem and have used derogatory words against him. District Bar Chakwal had also called on the authorities to remove the newly-appointed health officer immediately.
According to reports, as the outrage of religious outfits against the CEO increased, the local political leadership stepped in to reap political support from the ongoing crisis.
“Hafiz Ammar Yasir, a local MPA affiliated with PML-Q and Provincial Minister for Mines met with Punjab Assembly Speaker Chaudhary Pervez Elahi on August 30, and apprised him of the situation. Following the meeting, Elahi contacted Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid and requested her to transfer the CEO health without any further delay,” reports claimed.
However, the political spokesperson for Hafiz Ammar Yasir refuted these claims, stating that Yasir had no role in Dr Waseem’s transfer and that it was a routine matter.
The PRO of the P&SHD denied that the transfer was made due to Dr Waseem’s faith, and termed it a normal practice. When asked what circumstances forced the government to remove the officer just days after his appointment, the PRO refused to comment any further on the matter.
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According to media reports, Dr Waseem enjoyed an excellent reputation and had also previously served as CEO Health in other districts of Punjab.
“Soon after his appointment, he took action against a doctor who was long accused of harassing lady health workers.”
Religious groups have also demanded the removal of a female government officer, also for being an Ahmadi.
“The Deputy Commissioner Office has confirmed that the said female officer will be removed from her post soon,” reports stated..
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