ISLAMABAD, Apr 6 (DNA): The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Monday expressed strong displeasure over the absence of an accused doctor in a serious case involving illegal kidney transplants, terming the matter highly alarming and of an extraordinary nature.
A two-member bench headed by Justice Hashim Kakar heard the case against Dr. Fawad Mumtaz, who is accused of performing illegal kidney transplants while posing as a plastic surgeon.
During the hearing, Director Legal Punjab, Imran Ahmed, and defense counsel appeared before the court. The Director Legal informed the bench that the accused was arrested while carrying out illegal kidney transplant procedures in Sector B-17 of Islamabad, at a location lacking even a proper operation theatre. He further stated that the accused had previously been caught conducting similar unlawful procedures.
Justice Kakar inquired whether the accused doctor was present in court. The defense counsel responded that Dr. Fawad Mumtaz had failed to appear. At this, the court expressed strong displeasure, with Justice Kakar remarking that it was incomprehensible how a plastic surgeon could perform such a complex procedure as a kidney transplant.
The Director Legal Punjab informed the court that the accused is currently out on bail and is facing multiple cases. Justice Kakar observed that the doctor had been “stealing kidneys from people” and should fear God, adding that such an individual deserved a lengthy prison sentence.
The court further remarked that the case was of a very serious nature, involving exploitation of poor individuals. Justice Kakar also inquired whether the affected patients were alive, to which it was confirmed that the patients undergoing transplant procedures were alive.
During the proceedings, Justice Kakar noted that the accused appeared to possess surgical skills, which should have been used for positive purposes, even suggesting that such expertise could have been utilized at institutions like Quaid-i-Azam University instead of engaging in illegal activities.
Subsequently, the court issued notices and adjourned the hearing until April 23.
It is pertinent to mention that the Prosecution Punjab has filed an appeal seeking enhancement of the accused’s sentence, while a high court had earlier reduced his sentence to the period already undergone. The accused had originally been sentenced to seven years imprisonment in 2023.
