Appointment Of CEO Shaukat Khanum Dr. Faisal Sultan As New Health SAPM Sparks Nepotism Debate

Prime Minister Imran Khan has appointed Dr. Faisal Sultan as new SAPM on health after Dr. Zafar Mirza stepped down from his post last week over criticism towards a number of cabinet members for holding dual nationalities.

Due to ongoing negative discussion about the role of SAPMs & criticism on the gov, I choose to resign. Pakistani people deserve a better health care. I have worked sincerely to contribute to this cause. 🇵🇰 will Inshallah emerge out of COVID-19 with a stronger hlth care system.

— Zafar Mirza (@zfrmrza) July 29, 2020

Also Read: 4 Conspiracy Theories Doing Rounds After Tania Aidrus Tweeted Her Resignation Letter

The new SAPM is a consultant physician on medicine and infectious diseases who graduated from King Edward Medical College University, Lahore. He also holds two post-grad degrees including Diplomat American Board of Infectious Disease and Diplomat American Board of Internal Medicine. He has been offering strategic advice at the National Command and Operations Center (NCOC) as the lead focal person for the COVID19 pandemic. Dr. Faisal Sultan is also the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (SKMCH & RC).

Also Read: From Asim Bajwa To Zulfi Bukhari: 6 Assets’ Revelations Made By Imran Khan’s Cabinet That’ll Make You Go “Whaaaaaat?”

And because of Dr. Sultan’s position at Shaukat Khanum people are questioning “nepotism” in Naya Pakistan!

Dr. Faisal Sultan is considered Imran Khan’s closest confidante in the health sector, hence, igniting jobs-for-the-boys debate.

Imran Khan's personal physician Dr Faisal Sultan has appointed as Special assistant to P.M. Niazi used to accuse others of nepotism. Why Niazi & loyals are muted on this nepotism?@BBhuttoZardari @MacMehmoodshah pic.twitter.com/QUWLtoSpiQ

— SMT PPP Thatta Humair Iqbal (@HumairIqbal1) August 3, 2020

Many want Dr. Faisal Sultan to step down from his position at Shaukat Khanum as he takes charge as SAPM on health.

It is also worth mentioning here that one of the many reasons behind Tania Aidrus’ resignation was linked to her position as a director at another NGO.

@fslsltn i think he must resign from CEO SKMH. Imran Khan's personal physician Dr Faisal Sultan was favored because he is a man of Khan's house. He used to accuse others of nepotism. Why is Imran Niazi and his gang silent on this nepotism? @Atifrauf79 @MaryamNSharif @KhSaad_R pic.twitter.com/6c8QT26Vpj

— Adnan Khadim (@AdnanKhadim18) August 3, 2020

No nepotism in Naya Pakistan they said. Will Dr Faisal Sultan resign from Shaukat Khanum since he has been appointed Special Assistant to PM @ImranKhanPTI on Health? pic.twitter.com/wJKAIoQ8La

— Malik Shaheryar (@malikshaheryars) August 3, 2020

Pakistanis are reminding each other of a not-very-long-ago time when PM Khan led the critique on the country’s ruling elites for enabling an environment rampant with nepotism.

On what merit Dr. Faisal Sultan, CEO of Shaukat Khanum appointed as Special Assistant to PM on health replacing Dr. Zafar Mirza? Nepotism on its peak by PTI.#ImranKhanHoshKero

— Daniyal Umar (@Daniyalspeaks) August 3, 2020

Favoritism, Cronyism and Nepotism at Their Peak In Pakistan

Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital’s CEO Dr Faisal Sultan has been appointed as Prime Minister’s Lead & Focal Person on #COVID2019 .@ImranKhanPTI Anyone left ? pic.twitter.com/Z6rk8LkkF9

— Tariq Khattak (@Tarikkhattak) March 25, 2020

PM Imran Khan appoints Dr Faisal Sultan as his special assistant on health. Sultan is CEO of Shaukat Khanum Hospital that was founded by PM. Nepotism, much? https://t.co/mjozwouJbW

— Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) August 3, 2020

There is certainly no reason to doubt Dr. Faisal Sultan’s credibility as a professional. However, given the nature of SAPM Health’s portfolio it makes sense to have someone in-charge who is unlikely to be distracted by other responsibilities. And in Dr. Sultan’s case, being CEO Shaukat Khannum will definitely keep his attention divided.

What are your thoughts on this issue? Share in the comments below!