PM Shehbaz orders probe into 'irregularities' in Hajj, Umrah vaccine procurement

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered an investigation into alleged irregularities in the procurement of vaccines for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

A high-level committee, headed by the Cabinet Secretary, has been established to investigate the vaccine procurement process.

The committee includes the Director General of the Intelligence Bureau, the head of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), a representative of the Attorney General’s Office, and the Managing Director of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA).

According to the directive, the committee will hold its first meeting in Islamabad on Saturday morning. The prime minister has instructed the committee to submit its report within 48 hours.

According to an official notification, the committee will investigate vaccine prices, the tendering process, and revenue-sharing agreements.

Seven companies have challenged the vaccine supply contract before the Islamabad High Court.

Questions have also been raised over the approximately Rs4,500 being charged to Umrah pilgrims for the vaccination package.

Officials have stated that Saudi Arabia has not made the influenza vaccine mandatory for Umrah pilgrims.