ISLAMABAD, Jul 12 (APP): The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Wednesday issued an advisory alert for the provincial departments to ensure proper protective measures amid medium to high-level flood forecast in River Sutlej.

According to the NDMA, during the next 24-48 hours, a medium to high level of flood was expected in Ganda Singhwala in the area along River Sutlej, and adjoining low-lying areas may come under the influence of the possible impacts.

Moreover, it said there was a possibility of heavy rain with strong winds, and thunderstorms in different cities of the country.

There would be a risk of floods in low-lying areas and landslides in the mountainous areas, strong winds and thunderstorms can damage weak and dilapidated power poles, solar panels, billboards, tall trees or structures under construction, it said.

The safety measures included that the district administration should ensure the provision of emergency personnel and machinery including dewatering pumps in flood-prone areas, to maintain the flow of traffic, the administration should ensure a parallel traffic plan during drainage operation from underpasses and low roads, ensure the completion of stock taking by the concerned district administration.

The administration of the flood-prone areas should continue monitoring the sensitive areas, especially at the river Chenab’s Trimmu and the Ravi River’s Jassar areas until July 20th.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab should ensure timely evacuation of the residents of the low-lying areas around the Rivers Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej and its associated canals.

The Rescue services, armed forces, and NGOs active in the respective areas should be ready to ensure emergency personnel, machinery and quick response in emergency situations.

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.