Karachi (Special Correspondent): Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) has brought to light a potential violation of the Balochistan Public Procurement Rules, 2014, by the Directorate General of Health Services, Balochistan.

In a letter dated May 13, 2025, addressed to the Director General of Health Services, Balochistan, TIP’s Trustee/Legal Advisor, Advocate Daniyal Muzaffar, referenced a tender notice that appeared in the national newspaper on May 7, 2025, for procuring medical equipment and accessories. TIP contends that the advertisement violates Rule No. 16, “Response Time,” of the aforementioned procurement rules.

According to Rule No. 16, the tender submission and opening date of a bid should be at least fifteen days from the date of publication of the notice in newspapers or uploading on the website. In cases of National Competitive Bidding, this timeframe extends to thirty days from the date of publication. TIP argues that the advertised tender, with a response time of only two days from the date of the newspaper advertisement (May 7th, 2025), fails to meet the mandatory fifteen-day requirement.

TIP has urged the Director General of Health Services, Balochistan, to rectify this violation and issue a corrigendum in accordance with Rule 57 of the Balochistan Public Procurement Rules, 2014, to avoid mis-procurement.

Transparency International Pakistan emphasized its commitment to the across-the-board application of the Rule of Law as the most effective way to curb corruption and achieve zero tolerance against it.

Copies of the letter have been sent to the Chief Secretary of Balochistan and the Managing Director of the Balochistan Public Procurement Regulatory Authority in Quetta for their information and necessary action.

The letter also includes a clarification about Transparency International Pakistan’s role as a whistleblower and operator under Article 19-A of the Constitution of Pakistan, ensuring the public’s right to information. It also mentions a recent Supreme Court judgment affirming this right.