Islamabad: A deputy director of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Naeem Akhtar, has been missing since Sunday evening, prompting his family, colleagues and Islamabad Police to launch a search for the senior health official.
Health Secretary Aslam Ghauri confirmed that Naeem Akhtar, who was looking after non-communicable diseases and nutrition at the ministry, could not be traced after he went missing.
He said the ministry official’s vehicle had been found near the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), but there was no information about Akhtar’s whereabouts.
“The ministry’s director general and other officials are in contact with police and are making every effort to locate him,” Ghauri said, adding that the family had also approached the police for assistance.
Bani Gala Police have launched an inquiry and circulated a missing-person notice after receiving a request from the family. Police said they were using all available resources to trace the official and determine the circumstances in which he went missing.
According to the police notice, Akhtar left his residence in Bani Gala at around 6:23pm on Sunday, August 24, but did not return home. He is approximately 55 to 56 years old, of strong build and dark complexion, with black hair and a black-and-grey moustache.
The notice said he was wearing a striped shirt and black trousers when last seen, and appealed to the public to share any information that could help trace him.
Family members, including his daughter and brothers, have been contacting relatives, friends, hospitals and other possible locations in an effort to find him, officials said.
Colleagues at the health ministry described Akhtar as a well-regarded and cooperative officer who maintained good relations with colleagues and senior officials. They said his sudden disappearance had caused serious concern among ministry staff and the health community.
Police have appealed to anyone with information about the missing official to contact Bani Gala Police Station or inform the family.
Ends