An Islamabad court has sent three suspects to jail in connection with alleged financial irregularities worth Rs2.445 billion in the procurement of meningitis and influenza vaccines.
The decision came on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, after the court rejected the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) request to extend the suspects’ physical remand.
Court Rejects FIA Request for Further Physical Remand
Judicial Magistrate Shaista Kundi heard the case involving Dr Abid Shah, Pradeep Kumar, and Dr Ghulam Murtaza Shah.
The three suspects were presented before the court after completing their initial seven-day physical remand.
During the hearing, the investigating officer requested an additional two days of custody for further questioning.
However, the magistrate observed that the investigator had failed to provide sufficient justification for extending the remand.
Consequently, the court rejected the request and ordered that all three suspects be transferred to judicial custody.
FIA Investigates Rs2.445 Billion Vaccine Procurement Irregularities
According to the FIA, the suspects allegedly committed serious financial irregularities during the procurement of meningitis and influenza vaccines.
Investigators also accused them of improperly favouring a particular company during the procurement process.
The agency estimates that the alleged irregularities caused approximately Rs2.445 billion in losses to the national treasury.
However, the accusations remain under investigation, and no wrongdoing has been established by the court.
Next Court Hearing Scheduled for November 11
The magistrate directed authorities to produce the suspects before the court again on November 11, 2026.
The case has raised questions about financial transparency and accountability in public healthcare procurement.
The judicial proceedings will determine whether the prosecution can establish the allegations through sufficient evidence.
