PML-N minister urges health ministry to appoint ‘real brother’ to key donor-funded post
M. Waqar Bhatti
Islamabad: A powerful federal minister belonging to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has urged the federal health minister to appoint his real brother to the highly coveted post of National Coordinator of the Common Management Unit (CMU) for AIDS, TB, and Malaria—a crucial, donor-funded position within the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSR&C).
According to a formal request addressed to Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal—of which a copy is available with The News—Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Engr. Amir Muqam has requested the appointment of his brother, Dr. Musa Khan, as head of the CMU.
The CMU oversees Pakistan’s national programs on three major infectious diseases—HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria—and is funded through multimillion-dollar grants from The Global Fund. The position was recently upgraded to Basic Pay Scale (BPS) 21, reflecting its strategic importance in both national health planning and international donor engagement.
In his letter, Amir Muqam claimed that Dr. Musa Khan, who had previously served as Director Health in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, was politically victimized by the former PTI-led administration and made an Officer on Special Duty (OSD).
“My real brother Dr. Musa Khan was serving as Director Health KP Government. But he was politically victimized in KP Government. His services were requisitioned for the post of National Coordinator Programme TB/HIV/Malaria in Ministry of National Health Regulation and Services nine months ago. However, he has not been assigned the above-mentioned position till date,” the letter states.
Health ministry appoints controversial official on non-existent post
Muqam also claimed that the Secretary to the Prime Minister had already communicated to the health ministry in favor of the appointment, but the directive had not been implemented.
He further noted that a junior officer has been managing the CMU on a look-after basis for over a year, while simultaneously holding two other key portfolios: Project Director of the Hepatitis Control Program and Director Medical. He argued that this undermines performance and fairness in high-level appointments.
“Keeping in view the above, Dr. Musa Khan, Director Medical, may be given current charge of NC (CMU) TB/HIV/Malaria,” the letter concludes.
Speaking to The News, Amir Muqam confirmed the letter’s contents and defended his request. “They [PTI government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa] have made him OSD. He is being politically victimized due to my affiliation with PML-N. Islamabad suits him, he lives here, and he has also served at PIMS in the past. He deserves a respectable post,” the minister said.
He alleged that since 2013, Imran Khan’s government had subjected his family to continuous political victimization, causing financial and professional setbacks.
However, officials in the federal health ministry confirmed that Dr. Musa Khan, being from the general cadre, does not meet the eligibility criteria for the BPS-21 post. The position requires a recognized MBBS or BDS degree, a master’s in public health or policy management, and a minimum of 12 years’ experience in leading public health programs. Preference is given to professionals with experience in international donor coordination and federal program management.
Currently, the CMU is led by Dr. Qasim Abbas, a senior management cadre officer who has served as Project Director for TB and as Deputy National Coordinator for both Malaria and HIV.
Widely regarded as a competent and committed public health expert, Dr. Qasim was also offered the position of Project Director for the Prime Minister’s Program for Hepatitis C Elimination. However, he declined the additional charge due to the already demanding responsibilities of his current post.
Following his refusal, the hepatitis program was assigned to Dr. Soofia Younus, as confirmed in an official office order dated May 5, 2025.
Senior ministry officials stated that while Amir Muqam’s request had been received, any decision regarding the CMU appointment would be made strictly in accordance with rules, merit, and the final approval of the federal health minister.
“This is not just a local program—it involves major international donor coordination and technical accountability. The appointment must reflect that seriousness,” said one official.
The episode has sparked concern among public health professionals and donors, particularly given the importance of Pakistan’s commitments to reducing HIV, TB, and malaria. A politically influenced appointment to such a sensitive post—especially one reliant on global donor confidence—could undermine the country’s credibility and compromise the effectiveness of critical disease control efforts.
