ISLAMABAD (Staff Report) – The Senate was informed on Tuesday that an Inter-Provincial Vigilance Coordination mechanism has been established to promote coordination among federal and provincial regulatory authorities for eradication of spurious and substandard drugs.
Minister of State for National Health Services, Saira Afzal Tarar told the House during question hour that three unlicensed manufacturers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and two in Lahore were raided and huge quantities of fake or unregistered medicines were recovered.
Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz told the House that Pakistan took serious note of remarks made by Indian Prime Minister about dismemberment of Pakistan during his visit to Bangladesh.
He said Pakistan expressed deep disappointment that Indian politicians not only indulge in actions violative of the UN charter but also take pride in recalling their interference in the internal affairs of the other states.
Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz has said Pakistan is making efforts for resumption of reconciliation talks between Afghan Taliban and the Afghan government.
He was presenting a report in the Senate this evening regarding the news item about the death of former Taliban chief Mullah Umar.
The adviser said the announcement about the death of Mullah Umar caused suspension of the talks. He said now son of Mullah Umar has confirmed that Mullah Umar actually died in Afghanistan due to TB and Hepatitis. His son said Mullah Umar never left Afghanistan, died in Afghanistan, and is buried there.
Presenting another report, he said Pakistan has confirmed national status of a minor Ghulam Hussain who is now in Indian jail. The adviser said Ghulam Hussain was detained along with his father who was released along with other fishermen in June this year but Ghulam Hussain was not released due to identification issue.
The Senate held discussion to commemorate the International Day of Democracy.
Participating in the debate, Parliamentary leaders pointed out that Pakistan itself is creation of democracy and democratic process.
They said there is no threat to democracy in the country as Parliament is strong and there is national resolve to fight out threats like terrorism.
Some of the speakers, however, wanted the political parties to look inward and make a collective commitment that they would not tolerate corrupt and criminal elements in their ranks.
In his remarks, Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani said a disconnect seems to exist between the Parliament and the poor which will have to be addressed to ensure continuation of democracy.
Those who took part in the discussion included Leader of the Opposition Ch. Aitzaz Ahsan, Mushahid Hussain Syed, Usman Kakar, Mir Hasil Bizenjo, Nauman Wazir, Dr. Jahanzeb Jamaldini, Sirajul Haq, Saeed Ghani and Iqbal Zafar Jhagra.
