Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has rejected reports of Rs10 billion corruption in the vaccine procurement and manufacturing process, claiming that the national exchequer has suffered no financial loss.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, the minister presented his version of events surrounding the vaccine controversy, which has remained under discussion over the past week.
Mustafa Kamal said allegations of Rs10 billion corruption in the vaccine scandal were baseless, insisting that not a single rupee of government money had been lost.
Procurement Process Violated Rules, Says Minister
The health minister revealed that Border Health Services (BHS) had established its procurement committee on June 10, allegedly in violation of applicable rules.
He said it was incorrect to apply Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules to a public-private partnership arrangement. He further alleged that BHS conducted the procurement without informing the Ministry of Health.
Following media reports, the prime minister constituted a high-powered inquiry committee, which reportedly held Border Health Services responsible for proceeding with the procurement without informing the ministry.
Mustafa Kamal announced that the inquiry committee’s report was being made public and would also be published on the Ministry of Health’s website.
Rs183.05 Million Held in NADRA Account
Explaining the financial details, the minister said the initiative aimed to promote local vaccine manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports.
He maintained that the government had not spent any money on the process. However, Rs183.055 million had been charged in connection with the vaccines and was currently held in NADRA’s account.
He categorically denied that vaccines worth Rs10 billion had been purchased, adding that the inquiry committee’s report did not mention any such amount.
Regarding arrests made by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), he said the Ministry of Health had not interfered in the investigation.
Mustafa Kamal Rejects Pressure Over Political Position
During the press conference, the minister also addressed political matters, reaffirming his support for the creation of new provinces.
He said he would not withdraw from his position regardless of the pressure, adding that attempts to intimidate him would not succeed.
Mustafa Kamal alleged that an organised campaign was being conducted against him and insisted that he had never been involved in corruption.
He also claimed that upon taking charge of the ministry, he learned that mosquito nets worth $800,000 had been stolen.
The minister further stated that he had never misused public office for personal gain and would continue working to strengthen his party, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), while maintaining his demand for the creation of new provinces.