ISLAMABAD, July 12 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday stressed the formulation of a balanced strategy that could lower the pricing formula of life-saving drugs and also ensure the growth of the country’s pharmaceutical industry.

Addressing the Pharma Export Summit and Awards (PESA-2023), he said the government was committed to protecting the poor on one hand besides helping the pharmaceutical sector to thrive.

The event organized by Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association (PPMA) gathered corporate heads of national and multinational pharmaceutical companies and pharma experts.

The prime minister said the country’s pharmaceutical industry was playing an important role in meeting the demands of medicine. He paid tribute to the companies for propelling the export of medicines.

Because of the steep rise in the cost of raw materials, he said, the prices of medicine witnessed an upsurge. He, however, stressed that the situation must not lead to conflict with the production of life-saving drugs.

PM Sharif constituted a committee to resolve the issues and demands of the pharma industry within two weeks. He hoped that before the completion of the constitutional term of the incumbent government, the matters pertaining to the pharma industry would be resolved amicably.

The prime minister expressed confidence that the board meeting of the International Monetary Fund this evening would help open more Letters of Credit (LCs) relating to pharma products.

“This is just the beginning of a long journey, for which, the government, businessmen and all institutions need to work together,” he said.

He said the nation could make remarkable progress if all segments work with unity within their ambits.

Regarding Saudi Arabia’s $2 billion deposit with the State Bank of Pakistan, the prime minister gave the entire credit to army chief General Asim Munir, saying this happened “purely due to his untiring efforts”.

Shehbaz Sharif recalled that in 2016, while serving as Chief Minister of Punjab, he effectively carried out transparent procurement of medicines for the government hospitals, saving Rs 8 billion.

He mentioned that state-of-the-art laboratories were set up in the province in collaboration with a British company.

Chairman PPMA Syed Farooq Bukhari said the pharmaceutical industry of Pakistan witnessed a 25 percent growth compared to the previous year.

He highlighted the economic aspect of the pharmaceutical industry and managing the supply of life-saving drugs under Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). Also, he pointed out that DRAP needed to ensure quality assurance of medicines in the markets.

The 6th Pakistan Pharma Summit and PESA’23 was held with the aim to celebrate the achievements of the pharmaceutical industry and foster collaboration among stakeholders.

Founded in 1961, the PPMA is recognized by the government of Pakistan as the only representative Pharma body in the country having 400 members which comprises both national and multinational companies.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 12 (APP):Federal Minister for Power Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan on Wednesday said the people of Pakistan would bring the May 9 violence culprits to justice and teach them a lesson in the General Elections through voting.

The minister during a news conference here said, Israel’s statement on human rights situation in Pakistan was to overshadow the May 9 culprits, who had been trying to bring the country to doom since they came into power after the elections 2018.

Khan said the Foreign office had strongly and aptly condemned Israel’s statement on human rights situation in Pakistan.

“Pakistan has never recognized Israel and it can be seen on Pakistan’s passport as through it a Pakistani can travel to all countries but not Israel. We have showed solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters,” he said.

He was of the view that after the 2018 General Elections, voices were being echoed to recognize Israel and this came from the same political party (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf PTI) which was involved in the horrific incidents.

“We can easily see who benefitted from May 9 incidents and who suffered loss. A sickening campaign was run against the Pakistan Army and Martyrs on social media. Same type of drive was run against the Martyrs when a Pakistan Army helicopter was crashed during flood response,” he said.

Dastgir said everyone clearly knew who was separating and destroying the country and was involved in de-seating Former Primer Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

“They (PTI) were involved in the bargain deal on the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK). When India took over Kashmir all what the then government did was a 1:30 minute silence on Friday,” he said.

He said as to safeguard foreign involvement in the country was necessary to identify and bar those involved in destabilizing the country.
“It was the PTI’s tenure in which Pakistanis were allowed to travel to Israel,” he added.

Dastgir said PTI was involved in attack on Radio Pakistan in Peshawar and also back in 2014 on the building of Pakistan Television.

“PTI asked people to burn electricity bills in 2014 and told overseas Pakistanis to send money through hundi and then civil disobedience. They gave statements for perpetrating disturbance in the ranks of Pakistan Army as well,” he said.

He said the people of Pakistan would elect a government who would take them out of challenges and help Pakistan flourish and prosper.