{
  "id": 15156768,
  "title": "PM Orders Probe into Hajj and Umrah Vaccines Contract",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/pm-orders-probe-into-hajj-and-umrah-vaccines-contract",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-17T07:58:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ProPakistani",
    "slug": "propakistani",
    "url": "https://propakistani.pk/2026/10/17/pm-orders-probe-into-hajj-and-umrah-vaccines-contract/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed a five-member committee, headed by the Cabinet Secretary, to investigate the procurement process, vaccine prices, and financial arrangements of meningococcal meningitis and influenza vaccines by Border Health Services (BHS) Pakistan. The committee, which will also include the Director General of the Intelligence Bureau, CEO of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, a representative of the Attorney General’s Office, and the Managing Director of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority, will submit its findings within 48 hours. The controversy stems from a legal challenge filed by seven pharmaceutical and vaccine companies in the Islamabad High Court, who allege that the tender attracted only one bidder and that eligible competitors were denied a fair opportunity to participate. The committee's inquiry is expected to begin in Islamabad on Saturday, with the aim of examining the matter, recording statements from relevant officials, and reviewing procurement documents.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}