Was Prof. Faisal Masood’s removal just a photo-op? the timing raises questions

Lahore – The Punjab government’s announcement of relieving Prof. Dr. Faisal Masood from his position as Chief Operating Officer/Medical Superintendent of Mayo Hospital has sparked controversy, with evidence suggesting the move was nothing more than a staged spectacle.

Official documents confirm that Dr. Masood had already resigned on February 12, 2025, citing personal reasons, yet the Punjab government publicly announced his removal on March 6, 2025—conveniently after Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s visit to Mayo Hospital, where she personally inspected its deteriorating conditions. The timing raises serious questions about whether the decision was a genuine administrative move or an attempt to create the illusion of decisive governance.

Dr. Masood’s resignation letter, submitted nearly a month prior, made it clear that he was stepping down from his additional charge while continuing his role as Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at King Edward Medical University. If his resignation had already been accepted, why did the government present his removal as a disciplinary measure following the CM’s visit? Was this a calculated delay to manufacture a narrative of swift action?

The move appears to be more about optics than reform. Social media was flooded with praise for CM Maryam Nawaz, with government supporters portraying the announcement as an example of strong leadership. But beyond the headlines, the real crisis remains untouched—a public healthcare system crippled by mismanagement, resource shortages, and bureaucratic inefficiencies.

If the Punjab government is serious about accountability, why is there no clear roadmap for fixing the system? Why was Dr. Masood’s departure turned into a media stunt instead of a serious administrative process? Without structural reforms, such moves will remain symbolic gestures, serving short-term political narratives while leaving the real issues unresolved.