Revenge with India fell heavily on Pakistan, which led pharma companies to oppose the government

Islamabad, Ta. 15 May 2020, Friday

In the cycle of hostility with India, Pakistan itself is facing more and more difficulties. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi abolished Kashmir's special status last August, Pakistan took the suicidal step of imposing a complete ban on trade with India. Now, in the midst of the Koro epidemic, it is Pakistan's pharmaceutical companies that are warning the government to ban imports from India.

For the past few days, there has been speculation about Pakistan importing drugs from India. Pakistan was allowed to import life-saving drugs within days of a complete ban on trade with India. But in addition to life-saving medicines, mustard oil was also being imported from India. As soon as the matter came to light, the Pakistani government came under question and as the controversy escalated, an inquiry into the whole case was ordered. However, the potential action by the Pakistani government has caused a stir in the pharma industry.

The Pharma Manufacturing Association of Pakistan has warned the government not to take the decision to ban imports in view of its raw material dependence on India. According to the association, if imports are banned, the production of medicines will suffer a loss of 50 per cent. This will create a shortage of drugs in Pakistan which will further weaken the country's fight against the corona virus. Syed Farooq Bukhari, vice-chairman of the Pharma Association (PPMA), said the government should not ban the import of drugs and essential raw materials from any other country in view of the growing number of corona cases in the country.

According to Bukhari, the raw material required for the pharma industry was approved by the Ministry of Commerce and the National Health Service and was being monitored by all regulators besides the administration. In this regard, the former chairman of PPMA, Dr. According to Kesar Waheed, 95 per cent of the production of medicines in Pakistan depends on raw materials imported from other countries. India contributes 50 per cent and is imported from China and some European countries. All medicines are necessary for health, body and mind. Vitamins are just as important as other medicines because their deficiency can lead to serious health problems. However, Pakistan's opposition has continued to target Imran Khan's government over drug imports.