Once again, serious questions are being raised about the selection of members of the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC) and whether the law is being followed in letter and spirit. In 2023, four members were appointed under the PMDC Act, 2022: Dr Rizwan Taj, Dr Tehmina Asad, Dr Muhammad Zubair, and Dr Mahmud Aurengzeb. At the time, the press highlighted that only Dr Rizwan Taj, who was then serving as Dean of PIMS, fulfilled this requirement of law, while the remaining appointees did not meet the criteria.
Despite these clear objections, all four were appointed, reportedly under the political influence of Mr Qadir Patel and Dr Asim Hussain of the Pakistan Peoples Party. Now, there is a fresh and alarming attempt to re-nominate the same ineligible individuals. Even more concerning is the fact that Dr Rizwan Taj himself is no longer eligible, as he will not continue as Dean PIMS. As matters stand today, none of the proposed names satisfy the requirements of the law. Moreover there are cases against Dr Rizwan Taj on which Ministry has an obligation to inquire.
The law PMDC Act, 2022 allows the nomination of five members having fifteen years of teaching experience, which may include a Vice Chancellor, Dean, or Principal, to be nominated by the Prime Minister on the recommendation of the Minister. The language of the statute is clear and uses present-tense expressions such as “the Vice Chancellor,” “the Dean,” and “the Principal,” which by their ordinary meaning refer to current office holders. Had Parliament intended to include former office bearers, it would have used words such as “has served as,” which it deliberately chose not to do.
This distinction is important because PMDC is not a ceremonial body. It is responsible for regulating medical and dental education, conducting inspections and accreditation, overseeing curricula, recognizing institutions, and licensing professionals. These functions require individuals who are actively involved in academic leadership today and are fully aware of current standards and regulatory challenges. Former administrators, no matter how experienced in the past, lack the real-time engagement required for such a critical role.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has consistently held that when the law prescribes a particular manner for doing something, it must be done in that manner or not at all.
Under the PMDC Act, the Minister-in-Charge carries a clear legal responsibility. The Minister is required to ensure that nominees meet statutory qualifications, to correct illegal appointments once they are brought to notice, to recommend only those individuals who are currently serving as Vice Chancellors, Deans, or Principals, and to properly advise the Prime Minister of any legal shortcomings. Ignoring these obligations after they have been highlighted amounts to maladministration.
The way forward is straightforward. Members who do not meet the legal criteria should be discharged, and a fresh panel should be nominated consisting of individuals who are currently serving as Vice Chancellors, Deans, or Principals of medical institutions. If there is any doubt, an opinion from the Ministry of Law may be sought to ensure full compliance.
The law is clear, the courts are clear, and the facts are clear. The only question that remains is whether the government will uphold the law or once again allow influence to override it.
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