When a multi-billion rupee financial fraud was uncovered in Sheikhupura’s Public Health and Engineering Department, the entire narrative revolved around clerks, accountants, and contractors. One name kept resurfacing Head Clerk Naeem Akbar, who was declared the mastermind behind the scandal. It was alleged that he, along with his brothers, friends, and officers, caused a loss of 1.60 to 1.91 billion rupees to the state treasury through fake bills, bogus checks, and paper purchases. Cases were filed, arrests were made, bails were granted, NAB National Accountability Bureau took action, and eventually, a recovery of 2 billion rupees was made then everything went silent. But one name remained conspicuously absent from the entire scenario Dr. Sohail Tariq.
At the time, Dr. Sohail Tariq was posted as the CEO of the Health Authority in Sheikhupura. Without his signature, without his approval, no work order could be issued. No contract could be finalized. No payment file could be processed. So how is it possible that an entire department could be looted while its father” remained oblivious?
In reality, this is the same cunning skill that the corrupt
The original text cuts off here, but the implication is clear Dr. Sohail Tariq’s absence from the investigation raises serious questions about accountability and whether high-ranking officials were deliberately shielded from scrutiny.
The Unanswered Questions
- How could such massive fraud occur without the CEO’s knowledge?
- If every financial transaction required his approval, was he negligent or complicit?
- Why was he never investigated?
- Did political influence or bureaucratic connections protect him?
- Is the recovery of 2 billion rupees just a cover-up?
- Were the lower-ranking employees made scapegoats while the real beneficiaries walked free?
The Bigger Picture
This case is not just about corruption it’s about systemic impunity. When high-ranking officials evade accountability, it sends a message that corruption is a low risk, high reward game.
What do you think?
- Was Dr. Sohail Tariq truly unaware, or was he shielded?
- Should NAB reopen investigations to include all responsible officers?
- How can Pakistan’s bureaucracy be reformed to prevent such scams?
Share your thoughts in the comments
Note: This blog is based on reported allegations and raises questions for public debate. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
