LAHORE: Senior Punjab Health Department official Dr Khalil Ahmed Sukhani retired on September 18, 2025, amid serious allegations of irregularities and corruption during his tenure, with growing calls for a formal investigation into his role in various projects.
According to official sources, Dr Sukhani assumed charge as Programme Director of the IRMNCH and Nutrition Programme Punjab, Lahore, on February 18, 2022. He later held multiple additional posts, including Programme Director of PHCIP, PFPP, PMHI, CMSRP, COW, 10-RAS, NSHP, Maryam Nawaz Health Clinics (MNHCs), as well as Director Health Services Punjab. At one point, he reportedly held around 15 concurrent positions, while also serving as a focal person for international donor agencies, including UNICEF, WHO, JICA, and others.
Sources claim that between February 2022 and September 2025, he allegedly drew millions of rupees in TA/DA claims and project allowances, while procurement schemes under his watch witnessed irregularities worth billions. These projects included the purchase of 1,034 ambulances, the “Clinic on Wheels” scheme involving Rs360 million, as well as the procurement of dental units and ultrasound machines under RHCS 315.
It has also been alleged that he appointed his son in violation of merit and authorised irregular TA/DA payments for him. Reports further suggest duplicate disbursements and questionable handling of donor-funded projects.
Some officials have urged the Punjab chief minister to order a special joint audit of programmes overseen by Dr Sukhani, including donor-funded accounts, alongside scrutiny of his assets, bank records, and properties.
Insiders within the Health Department allege that outsourcing of BHUs, hospital revamping, and several development schemes were also marked by irregularities. Certain senior officers were reportedly involved in allotments and postings made against merit in exchange for large sums of money.
Neither Dr Sukhani nor the Health Department’s senior leadership has issued an official response to the allegations.
