The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested three BHS-P officials over alleged financial irregularities in a five-year vaccine supply contract worth billions of rupees awarded to Pharma Connect.
The case concerns the procurement of meningococcal meningitis (ACWY) and influenza vaccines. The arrests took place on October 20 following the registration of FIR No. 61/2026 by the FIA’s Anti-Corruption Circle in Islamabad.
The accused are Muhammad Abid Hussain Shah, Director BHS-P; Pardeep Kumar, former Director BHS-P; and Syed Ghulam Murtaza Shah, Medical Officer/FP IHR at BHS-P.
According to the FIA’s investigation record, the contract was allegedly awarded through a single bid without a market survey, independent cost estimates, or a comparison of available prices.
The agreed rate was reportedly Rs. 3,475 per complete vaccination, against combined maximum retail prices of Rs. 2,660 notified by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). The Rs. 815 difference per vaccination has led investigators to estimate a potential excess cost of around Rs. 2.445 billion over the five-year contract.
The FIA alleges that former Director Pardeep Kumar replaced an existing procurement committee, assumed its chairmanship, and approved bidding documents that allegedly lacked important contractual details.
Syed Ghulam Murtaza Shah is accused of facilitating the contractor’s selection, while Muhammad Abid Hussain Shah reportedly sought retrospective approval for the procurement process in a note dated September 14, 2026.
Investigators are examining the committee’s formation, the bidding process, the contractor’s selection, and payments made under the agreement.
Following the arrests, the FIA requested 14 days of physical remand from a judicial magistrate in Islamabad. The agency says it needs to recover original procurement documents, review official correspondence, verify payments, and determine the financial impact of the contract.
The investigation also covers alleged coordination between the accused and the contractor, along with the possible involvement of other individuals.
The prime minister has separately ordered an inquiry into the matter and formed a committee to examine the case.
The allegations remain under investigation and have not been proven in court.
