Naveed Siddiqui
ISLAMABAD: In a shocking development, the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation & Coordination has brought to light reported and significant violations of rules, regulations, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DRAP, Dr. Asim Rauf, has been accused of gross violations, irregularities, misconduct, misuse of authority, and conflict of interest.
The Ministry has identified several troubling issues surrounding Dr. Asim Rauf’s tenure as CEO. Firstly, there are allegations of the misuse of authority and manipulation of the modus operandi for disposing of pending cases, suggesting ulterior motives behind these actions.
Secondly, the Ministry has raised concerns about serious matters of public importance that have been left unattended and awaiting decisions. Dr. Rauf has been accused of manipulating and managing the Human Resource Management (HRM) of DRAP personnel and financial records, allegedly acting according to his own desires.
Furthermore, it has come to light that Dr. Asim Rauf has allegedly violated Civil Servant Rules in his pursuit of a promotion to a higher grade by manipulating facts.
The Ministry has also pointed out instances of conflict of interest between Dr. Rauf and the Ministry, as well as violations of financial rules, possibly indicating multiple charges and assignments that created conflicts of interest.
In response to these grave allegations, Dr. Asim Rauf has been issued a three-day deadline to provide an explanation for the reported irregularities. Failure to respond within the stipulated timeframe may result in disciplinary action initiated under the relevant rules governing DRAP under the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan Act, 2012.
The ministry awaits Dr. Asim Rauf’s response, and the public demands transparency and accountability in this matter of significant national importance.
