The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ordered the federal government to remove SAPM on Health, Zafar Mirza from his post.

A five-member bench of the apex court, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan, Gulzar Ahmed, is hearing the case. Justice Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel, Justice Sajjad Ali Shah and Justice Qazi Muhammad Amin Ahmed are also on the bench.

During the hearing today, CJP Ahmed remarked that the government had not done anything at this point to stem the spread of the virus. 

“There is an army of ministers and advisors in place but no work is being done,” CJP Ahmed observed.

Why is Zafar Mirza’s removal being discussed?

CJP Ahmed also alleged that “corrupt people” have been kept as advisors in the government. During the hearing, Justice Ahmed questioned the credentials of Special Assistant to Prime Minister for Health, Dr Zafar Mirza, and ordered his removal.

The CJP had on Friday sent notices to the Attorney-General of Pakistan, the health secretary, and the interior secretary questioning the inadequate facilities being provided to citizens by the federal government to combat the coronavirus.