Services Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS) Dr Syed Mazhar Ali Naqvi, who was terminated for allegedly not giving VIP protocol to a patient referred by the Punjab Health Secretary, has been reinstated on his seat.

Punjab Chief Secretary Jawwad Rafique Malik on Wednesday issued a notification to reinstate Dr. Syed Mazhar Ali, reported 24News HD TV channel.

The notification reads, “After careful examination of the case, considering arguments advanced by the applicant during the hearing and taking into consideration the unconvincing stance of the Department Representatives, I am of the view that the department has failed to substantiate its action and could not produce any substantiating material which could have justified the termination. This is the demand of natural justice that nobody should be condemned unheard. Accordingly, the termination order is set aside.”

Dr Naqvi was terminated from his post over alleged non-cooperation with patients seeking favours sent by the Punjab Health Secretary Nabeel Awan.

Taking action against Dr Naqvi, Secretary Nabeel Ahmed Awan had issued a suspension notification. Upon refusal to give favour out of the box to the patients sent by the Health Secretary, first he was transferred to Rahim Yar Khan, later suspended from the post.