KARACHI: The top administrative post of Executive Director at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) has remained vacant for the past two weeks, creating uncertainty within the hospital’s management and raising concerns over proper governance and compliance with appointment rules. The position fell vacant after the demise of former Executive Director Prof. Dr. Shahid Rasul on November 14.
Sources said that the Sindh government has sought names of senior Grade-20 professors from the hospital administration for possible appointment. However, as per the rules, this is an administrative post and cannot be filled by a teaching-cadre professor unless they hold relevant administrative qualifications and experience. Despite this legal requirement, the Sindh government has routinely appointed professors to this position in the past and is reportedly inclined to do the same again.
The hospital administration has sent three names to the Health Minister and Chief Minister Sindh, including Prof. Abdul Manan Junejo, Prof. Khalid Sher and Prof. Halima Yasmeen. Prof. Junejo is expected to retire within a month, while Prof. Khalid Sher and Prof. Halima Yasmeen are due to retire in 2029 and 2031 respectively. Prof. Abdul Manan has already served once as Acting Director of JPMC. However, insiders said that the most preferred name in the list is that of Prof. Khalid Sher, although he is reportedly not willing to take charge of the position.
According to administrative rules, the post requires an administration degree and relevant managerial experience, while being a professor is not compulsory. In this context, Grade-19 Deputy Executive Director Dr. Salman — who previously served as Joint Executive Director — is also eligible for acting charge of the post. Sources alleged that previous administrations kept Dr. Suleman at the deputy level to prevent his promotion to Grade-20. At present, he is handling day-to-day affairs and supervising administrative matters of the hospital.
Due to the prolonged vacancy, the hospital is witnessing a leadership gap that is affecting timely decisions and policy implementation. Staff members are waiting for an immediate appointment as the absence of a permanent executive head is slowing down routine processes, causing delays in approvals and impacting coordination between departments. The uncertainty has also raised questions over the compliance of rules and transparency in the selection process.
Sources said that a final decision on the appointment of the new Executive Director is expected within the few days. Hospital employees and administrative officers are hoping for a swift and rule-based appointment to restore administrative stability at JPMC.
