KARACHI – Professor Dr Nighat Shah, daughter of former Sindh chief minister Qaim Ali Shah, has defended her three-year reappointment at Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU), saying the decision was based on professional qualifications and applicable rules rather than her political background.
Dr Nighat was reappointed as a professor for three years under a provincial cabinet decision just one day before her retirement.
The appointment notification has also been issued.
The decision has raised concerns among senior associate professors at JSMU, who have reportedly written to senior officials, including Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, questioning the extension.
The professors claimed that Dr Nighat’s reappointment was made under a Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) notification issued on May 19. They alleged that a provision stating that the reappointment of retired faculty should not affect the promotion of other eligible faculty members had not been followed.
They said the decision could affect the promotions of six associate professors who are awaiting elevation to professorial positions. According to them, overlooking eligible faculty members could also create a negative impression about the institution.
Amid the controversy, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had clarified that Dr Nighat’s appointment was made on a contractual basis and within the prescribed policy framework. He said the appointment was in line with guidelines concerning the engagement of experienced professors in medical teaching institutions.
Dr Nighat has now responded to the criticism, saying her professional achievements should not be linked to her father’s political career.
She said she is an FCPS and FRCOG-qualified professor and currently the only FRCOG at Jinnah Hospital. She added that she is a medical educationist, holds a master’s degree and is pursuing a PhD.
Dr Nighat said two international research projects had been launched in collaboration with Canadian partners, with a combined value of $20,000. The projects focus on maternal deaths and heart disease among mothers.
She also highlighted healthcare initiatives undertaken at Jinnah Hospital, including the establishment of a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), which she said led to a significant reduction in infant mortality within six to eight months.
She said a critical care unit had also been established for critically ill women, while medical staff were provided specialised training to manage conditions such as septic and cardiogenic shock.
Dr Nighat added that her team was working with the cardiology department to provide treatment to mothers suffering from heart disease. She said the hospital was also providing advanced and free treatment for infertility, cancer and thalassemia.
Addressing allegations of political influence, she said her professional career had been built on her qualifications and experience.
“My qualifications and hard work have nothing to do with politics,” she said, adding that her father had taught his children to earn honestly, live with dignity and serve people.
Dr Nighat said her retirement was due on August 12 and maintained that her three-year extension had been granted in accordance with PMDC rules. She said the matter had gone through the Advocate General and Law Department and that the summary had been under consideration for around six months.
She further said Jinnah Hospital was currently facing a shortage of professors and that she did not want to occupy anyone else’s position.
“I want more people to become professors and new units to be established,” she said.
