Federal Investigation Agency personnel took three staff members of BHS-P into custody regarding a suspected Rs. 2.445 billion irregularity tied to a five-year agreement for influenza and meningococcal meningitis vaccines, insiders disclosed to ProPakistani.

Authorities executed the detentions on October 20 under FIR No. 61/2026, filed by the Anti-Corruption Circle of the agency based in Islamabad.

The individuals taken into custody include BHS-P Director Muhammad Abid Hussain Shah, former BHS-P Director Pardeep Kumar, and Medical Officer and FP IHR at BHS-P Syed Ghulam Murtaza Shah.

Alleged Vaccine Overpricing

Documents presented by investigators indicate the five-year agreement was granted based on a single bid, omitting independent cost estimates, a market survey, or a comparative price evaluation.

The agreement established a cost of Rs. 3,475 for each complete vaccination. Official maximum retail prices established by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan for the combined vaccines reached Rs. 2,660.

A gap of Rs. 815 per vaccination sparked suspicion, with insiders calculating the potential excess expense across the five-year duration at approximately Rs. 2.445 billion.

Procurement Committee Under Investigation

Investigators state that former Director Pardeep Kumar dismissed an existing procurement committee, assumed the role of chairman, and cleared bidding documents missing critical contract terms.

Syed Ghulam Murtaza Shah faces accusations of aiding the contractor in participating and winning selection.

Muhammad Abid Hussain Shah filed a note on September 14, 2026, seeking formal approval of the procurement procedure after the process concluded.

The establishment of the committee remains under review alongside the drafting and approval of tender papers, contractor selection, and the later ratification request.

14-Day Physical Remand

Following the detentions, the agency requested a 14-day physical remand from an Islamabad judicial magistrate to gather procurement files, review official correspondence, and check contract disbursements.

Investigators also plan to cross-reference evidence with witness accounts and establish the true financial consequences of the deal.

Authorities are reviewing suspected collusion between the suspects and the contractor, alongside potential involvement by other parties.

The situation has attracted official notice, prompting the prime minister to mandate a probe and form a committee to review the situation.

Inquiries into the accusations continue.