Muzaffargarh Nursing College Principal Appointment Draws Controversy
The appointment of an acting principal at the College of Nursing, Muzaffargarh has triggered a dispute over the transfer and posting of senior nursing officers in the district.
According to official documents and departmental sources, questions have been raised over the decision to assign the additional charge of principal to a BPS-17 nursing instructor, despite the availability of more senior nurses.
Junior Nursing Instructor Given Additional Charge
Kalsoom Bibi, a nursing instructor in BPS-17, was reportedly the most senior member of the nursing college staff and had been performing the duties of principal on a look-after basis from January 12 to July 15, 2026.
During this period, she handled both administrative and academic responsibilities at the institution.
In January, Tahmina Bano was recruited through the Punjab Public Service Commission as another BPS-17 nursing instructor at the college.
According to a petition submitted by Kalsoom to the Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education (SHC&ME) Department, a dispute later developed over the principal’s position.
Complaints and Inquiry Requested
Kalsoom’s petition alleged that complaints were submitted against her through the Chief Minister’s Portal using the identities of students.
The petition stated that two students, Bisma Malik and Zarmeen Khan, were called for a hearing and denied submitting the complaints themselves.
It further alleged that a subsequent review found the complaints had been submitted by the students’ cousins. Kalsoom described the matter as a violation of rules concerning the use of citizens’ identities and requested a transparent inquiry.
Following the complaints, Kalsoom was directed on July 24 to report back to the SHC&ME Department. In a petition dated July 27, she requested an investigation and maintained that her service record demonstrated her experience and commitment to the institution.
Tahmina Bano Receives Additional Charge
On July 31, 2026, the department assigned the additional charge of principal at the College of Nursing, Muzaffargarh, to Tahmina Bano until a regular principal could be appointed.
Some health department sources questioned the decision, alleging that Tahmina was on leave when the additional charge was assigned.
The sources also claimed that several senior BPS-18 nurses in the district were subsequently transferred to other locations, potentially affecting the list of candidates for the principal’s position.
Senior Nurses Transferred to Other Cities
Departmental records show that Kalsoom Bibi was later promoted to BPS-18 and posted as principal in Lodhran.
Two other senior nurses, Shaila Shabir and Asia Waryam, were also promoted to BPS-18 and posted as nursing superintendents at Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan, and Allama Iqbal Teaching Hospital, Dera Ghazi Khan, respectively.
Sources further claimed that a senior nurse based in Lahore was considered for the Muzaffargarh position but was reluctant to relocate.
Health Department Defends Posting Decision
A spokesperson for the Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Department rejected the suggestion that the posting was improper.
The spokesperson said several senior nurses were interested in the principal’s position and maintained that appointments and transfers fall within the department’s administrative authority.
According to the spokesperson, the department had selected a senior candidate and the decision was made on merit.
Tahmina Bano was contacted for her comments on the allegations but did not respond to calls and messages seeking her position.
The dispute highlights the importance of transparent procedures in senior administrative appointments within government-run nursing institutions. Further clarification from the department or an official inquiry could determine whether the allegations raised in the petition have any basis.
