Approval of National Council for Homeopathy Reconstitution Triggers Legal Concerns

By Farzana Chaudhry | Lahore, Pakistan
The recent approval by Pakistan’s federal cabinet for the reconstitution of the National Council for Homeopathy (NCH) has sparked controversy, with allegations of administrative irregularities and potential violations of civil service rules emerging over the nomination process.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination nominated Dr. Ghulam Abbas, a serving Homeopathic Medical Officer at DHQ Hospital in Sheikhupura, as a private member of the council. Critics argue that appointing a serving government employee to a private-quota seat may constitute a conflict of interest and could contravene the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules.
Legal observers contend that such appointments require strict adherence to merit-based panels and eligibility criteria, particularly when regulatory bodies are involved. They further allege that the ministry had access to the candidate’s service record and No Objection Certificate (NOC) at the time of nomination.
The controversy has deepened following reports that the official notification of the reconstituted council has not been publicly circulated. Critics claim this could limit opportunities for legal challenge before the scheduled oath-taking ceremony on February 17.
Concerns have also been raised by Junaid Bukhari, an elected council member from Sindh, who alleges that he is being sidelined in the process related to the election of the council’s presidency.
Separately, homeopathic practitioner Dr. Kashif Aslam Malik has formally written to senior federal authorities, asserting that the nomination undermines transparency and regulatory integrity. He has indicated that legal remedies may be pursued to challenge the appointment.
Officials from the health ministry have not publicly responded to the allegations.
The NCH functions as the national regulatory body overseeing homeopathic education and practice in Pakistan, and governance disputes within such institutions often carry implications for professional licensing and standards enforcement.