Karachi – In a stunning revelation, Health Matters Media has uncovered a 20-year-long corruption scandal within the Sindh Health Department, where a government official, Mohammad Sohaib Roomi, has been illegally employed since 2005. Through forgery, fake appointments, and political connections, he has not only secured a government post without merit but has also enjoyed illegal promotions, unauthorized perks, and millions in taxpayer-funded benefits.
This case exposes the deep-rooted nexus of corruption in Sindh’s health bureaucracy, implicating high-ranking officials who manipulated recruitment processes, violated merit, and facilitated systematic financial fraud.
The Fake Appointment: A Clear Violation of Merit & Law
Our investigation reveals that Mohammad Sohaib Roomi applied for the position of Assistant Accounts Officer (BPS-16) on June 10, 2005. However, he failed the written test, securing only 17 marks out of 60, making him ineligible for the interview.
In contrast, another candidate, Muhammad Akram, qualified for the position of Office Assistant (BPS-11) by securing 38 marks out of 60. But instead of appointing the deserving candidate, Roomi was illegally offered the position—despite never even applying for it.
The Corrupt Officials Who Enabled the Fraud:
The recruitment committee that facilitated this fraudulent appointment included:
Dr. Hadi Bux Jatoi (then DG Health Sindh, a relative of ex-CM Liaquat Jatoi, and Chairman of the Recruitment Committee)
Dr. Abdul Hannan Shaikh, Secretary, Recruitment Committee
Dr. Kazi Mujtaba Kamal (Provincial Coordinator, National Program for Family Planning & Primary Healthcare, Hyderabad), Member Recruitment Committee
Abdul Majeed Memon (Additional Secretary, Sindh Health Department), Member, Recruitment Committee
Mohammad Moosa Ansari (Office Superintendent, Sindh Health Department)
How the Scam Was Executed:
- Manipulation of merit list – Office Superintendent Mohammad Moosa Ansari tampered with recruitment records and forged official documents to include Roomi’s name.
- Issuance of a fake appointment order – A fraudulent hiring order was prepared, allowing Roomi to join as Office Assistant (BPS-11) despite having no legal right to the position. The appointment order was issued allegedly by Dr. Kazi Mujtaba Kamal and Muhammad Moosa Ansari vide memorandum no.NP/Estt/-54529/36 dated 21/5/2005.
- Medical clearance & joining – Roomi was illegally granted medical clearance and formally joined the Sindh Health Department in 2005. A medical fitness certificate was issued by the MS/ Civil Surgeon Services Hospital Hyderabad vide no.534 dated 9-6-2005. A duty joining report was submitted by Mr. Roomi on dated 10-6-2005. After joining, Dr. Kazi Mujtaba Kamal and Muhammad Moosa Ansari issued office order vide no NP/Estt/55825/28 dated 13-6-2005.
20 Years of Fraud: Illegal Promotions & Financial Gains
Not only did Sohaib Roomi secure an illegal appointment, but he was also unlawfully promoted and granted financial perks:
Unauthorized Promotions: He was allowed to hold additional charge of Office Superintendent (BPS-17), violating Supreme Court rulings on OPS (Own Pay Scale) postings.
Lavish Government Perks:
A government-maintained Cultus car (GSE-681)
300 liters of petrol per month
Rs.100,000 in travel & daily allowances (TA/DA) per month
Illegal Withdrawal of Rs.12 Crore: Over the last 20 years, Roomi has illegally withdrawn over Rs.12 crore from the government exchequer in salaries, perks, and other benefits.
The Cover-Up: Who Is Protecting the Corrupt?
Despite the clear evidence of fraud, forgery, and financial embezzlement, the current DG Health Sindh, Dr. Waqar Mehmood Memon, has refused to take action. Instead of launching an inquiry, he has provided cover to Roomi, raising serious concerns about his own involvement in the ongoing corruption within the Sindh Health Department.
Health Matters team cobtted all accused on WhatsApp for their comments but received no reply.
Call for Action from Senior Officials & Experts:
Senior officials from the Sindh Health Department and legal experts believe that this case demands immediate legal action. They emphasize that:
Roomi should be dismissed from service immediately, as his appointment was fraudulent from the start.
A criminal case of forgery and corruption should be filed against him and all officials involved in facilitating his illegal employment.
The Rs.12 crore illegally withdrawn from the public exchequer should be recovered from him and other responsible officials.
An independent inquiry should be launched to expose how such corrupt practices continue within the Sindh Health Department.
Final Words from Health Matters Media:
For 20 years, corruption in Sindh’s health department has stolen resources meant for public welfare. This case is just one example of a larger system of fraud that deprives the people of Sindh of quality healthcare, medicines, and infrastructure.
As journalists committed to ethical reporting, Health Matters Media will continue to expose corruption, demand accountability, and fight for justice. It is now up to the Sindh government, judiciary, and NAB to act—before the people lose all trust in the system.
This Opinion has been written by Akhtar Shaheen Rind.
