National

Syed Mustafa Kamal, Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination has announced a major breakthrough for Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector following the successful Pakistan-China Pharmaceutical Business-to-Business (B2B) Conference held in Islamabad on 17–18 July. Addressing a press conference, the Minister said the conference marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to transform Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry into a globally competitive sector, attract foreign investment, strengthen local manufacturing, and reduce dependence on imported pharmaceutical products. “The purpose of sharing this success is to present a positive image of Pakistan to our people and the world. While challenges exist, it is equally important to highlight our achievements that restore confidence in Pakistan’s economy and its investment potential,” the Minister said. The two-day conference brought together 240 Chinese delegates representing 140 leading Chinese pharmaceutical companies and 430 Pakistani delegates from 210 local companies, making it one of the largest Pakistan-China engagements ever held exclusively for the pharmaceutical sector. To maximize business outcomes, the Ministry of National Health Services facilitated six weeks of virtual business matchmaking before the conference, ensuring participating companies entered the event with well-developed business discussions rather than first-time introductions. As a result, the conference generated 340 bilateral business meetings, culminating in: 22 commercial agreements worth US$629.5 million 84 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with an estimated value of approximately US$800 million, many of which are expected to mature into formal investment agreements. The signed agreements span six strategic sub-sectors critical to the future of Pakistan’s healthcare industry: Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) – 2 agreements Local Vaccine Production – 8 agreements Clinical Trials – 2 agreements Generic Formulations & Injectables – 2 agreements Medical Devices Manufacturing – 8 agreements The Minister emphasized that the government’s objective extends beyond signing MoUs, focusing instead on legally binding commercial agreements that lead to tangible investments, technology transfer, industrial growth, and employment generation. Highlighting the government’s broader pharmaceutical reforms, the Minister noted that Pakistan has, for the first time, developed and approved a National Local Vaccine Production Policy, creating the policy framework necessary for domestic vaccine manufacturing. Currently, Pakistan administers 13 vaccines under its national immunization programme, all of which are imported. The new policy aims to establish local production capacity, improve health security, and reduce import dependence. The Minister also identified several strategic priorities being pursued jointly with Chinese partners, including: Development of Pakistan’s clinical trials ecosystem; Promotion of Traditional Chinese Medicine and herbal medicines; Local manufacturing and export of medical devices; Establishment of vocational and technical training programmes for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology workforce; and Indigenous production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), as Pakistan currently imports approximately 95% of the raw materials used to manufacture medicines despite producing nearly 85% of its pharmaceutical products locally. The Minister observed that healthcare is a permanent and growing global industry, and with Pakistan’s population exceeding 250 million, strengthening domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing has become both an economic and strategic necessity. He further highlighted the government’s regulatory reforms, particularly within the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), where approximately 85% of regulatory processes have now been digitized. The reforms have substantially reduced processing times, enhanced transparency, minimized human intervention, and improved ease of doing business. As an example, the Minister noted that the registration of medical devices, which previously required years to complete, can now be processed entirely online, with approvals being issued within 20 days, significantly improving investor confidence. The Minister acknowledged the collective efforts of the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing, led by Ambassador Khalil Hashmi, the Ministry of National Health Services, DRAP, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), the Board of Investment (BOI), the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Islamabad Police, law enforcement agencies, and all public officials whose coordinated efforts ensured the successful organization of the conference. He also appreciated the active participation of the Pakistani pharmaceutical industry and Chinese business partners, whose collaboration translated business dialogue into concrete investment commitments. Concluding the press conference, the Minister described the conference as the beginning of a long-term strategic partnership between Pakistan and China in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that the signed agreements are implemented expeditiously and translated into operational projects that strengthen Pakistan’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity, create employment opportunities, increase exports, and contribute to national economic growth.

Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security erupted in controversy today as concerns over recruitment at the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) were aired with unprecedented intensity. Senators claimed that the federal research body may have violated constitutional equity, leaving candidates from Sindh and Balochistan sidelined while Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa dominated appointments. At the heart of the storm are 230 vacant posts at PARC. Although the posts were advertised nationwide and tested through the third party Candidates Testing Services (CTS), only 125 candidates have received appointment letters, leaving 105 hopefuls in limbo. Senator Poonjo Bheel voiced sharp criticism, accusing PARC of sidelining smaller provinces, potentially breaching Article 38(g) of the Constitution. “Appointments have disproportionately favored Punjab and KP,” he warned, “while Sindh and Balochistan candidates are deprived of their due share.” PARC representatives defended their process, noting that a few Sindh candidates were appointed purely on merit and promising interviews for remaining Sindh and Balochistan candidates in the coming week. Yet, the Committee remained unconvinced. Senators stressed that results should be announced simultaneously across all provinces, warning that staggered releases could create perceptions of bias. The session took an even more sensational turn when officials revealed allegations of a coordinated propaganda campaign against PARC. Officials claimed that artificial intelligence (AI) may have been used to manipulate recruitment results, prompting the Committee to recommend immediate show cause notices for any employees involved in such activities. The Chairman directed PARC to submit a detailed list of the appointing authorities responsible for each recruitment decision and a comprehensive record of the 105 pending candidates’ interviews. The Committee demanded transparency and accountability to prevent further distrust in the nation’s premier agricultural research body. The Committee’s stern message made it clear: “Merit alone cannot justify provincial inequity, and any manipulation digital or human will not be tolerated.” The meeting was attended by Senators Rahat Jamali, Shahadat Awan, and Poonjo Bheel, with the agenda moved by Senator Shahadat Awan deferred due to the absence of the Federal Minister and Secretary.

Lahore: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a 24-hour high alert as torrential monsoon rains continue to batter large parts of Pakistan, resulting in loss of life, widespread flooding and extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. In Punjab, at least eight people were killed and 37 others injured after roofs and walls collapsed during heavy rainfall. Four fatalities were reported in Gujranwala, while a child drowned in an underpass in Kamalia after being swept away by accumulated rainwater. Three more people lost their lives in separate roof collapse incidents in Pakpattan and Sahiwal. Torrential rains inundated streets, residential neighbourhoods and commercial areas in Sialkot, while low-lying areas of Faisalabad were submerged, major roads were flooded and traffic was severely disrupted. A woman and a young girl were also injured after the roof of a house collapsed in Faisalabad. Heavy showers were also reported in Wazirabad, Kamalia, Hafizabad, Pindi Bhattian, Bhera, Sargodha, Bhakkar, Layyah and Dera Ismail Khan, leaving roads and streets submerged. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of flash floods in hill torrents and seasonal streams, while urban flooding remains a significant concern in Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara and Sahiwal over the next 48 hours. According to official rainfall data, Gujranwala received 142 millimetres of rain, followed by Mandi Bahauddin with 133 millimetres, Narowal with 95 millimetres, Sialkot with 85 millimetres and Hafizabad with 70 millimetres. In Lahore, two people were killed and two others, including a woman and a young child, sustained injuries when the roof of a house collapsed in (Kot Babu Khan) Raiwind. The roof, reportedly constructed with wooden beams, gave way during the heavy downpour. Rainfall was also recorded across several areas of Lahore, including Lahore High Court, Kalma Chowk, Mall Road, Ring Road, Model Town, Hamdard Chowk, Gulshan Ravi and Samanabad, where the highest rainfall of 4.2 millimetres was recorded. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, at least 14 people have lost their lives and 19 others have been injured in rain-related incidents. The victims include six children and two women. According to the PDMA, six houses were completely destroyed, while 22 others sustained partial damage. Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain visited the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), where NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider briefed him on preparedness measures and the risks associated with the ongoing monsoon season. Authorities also reported low-level flooding in the Jhelum, Sutlej, Ravi and Chenab rivers, although water levels remain within their channels. PMD official Dr. Irfan Virk said the weather advisory issued for July 18-25 had already warned of widespread monsoon activity. He said heavy rainfall is expected to continue over the next two days, particularly in Mansehra, Upper and Lower Dir, Swat, Chitral, Battagram, Kohistan, Peshawar, Swabi, Mardan, Kurram, Kohat, Karak and Dera Ismail Khan. Officials said the current weather system is expected to persist over central Pakistan for another two days before gradually weakening. Citizens have been advised to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel to flood-prone areas and follow official safety advisories due to the continued risk of flooding, structural collapses and other rain-related hazards.

Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works erupted in frustration over massive delays in salary payments to former Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak PWD) employees, exposing systemic inefficiencies and administrative apathy across federal ministries. Despite being adjusted in various departments, thousands of workers remain unpaid, sparking fears of widespread exploitation and financial insecurity. Chairman Senator Nasir Mehmood openly criticized ministries for misleading assurances, stating that the Committee would not tolerate empty promises. Officials revealed that out of 20,024 former Pak PWD employees, only 3,094 had received salaries, while around 30 cases remained pending, including employees in the Ministry of Planning and Ministry of Religious Affairs. “These delays are unacceptable,” Senator Mehmood said, stressing that commitments made to the Committee must be implemented without further excuses. The Committee also took up the plight of contractual employees, highlighting that existing rules deny them pensions. While the Ministry of Housing and Works had submitted proposals for special consideration, no concrete action has been taken yet, leaving many workers in limbo. Senator Naseema Ehsan highlighted the plight of widows and families of deceased employees, urging immediate resolution to their pending cases. Beyond employee issues, the Committee reviewed stalled development projects, including the Green Enclave I Housing Project, which has faced prolonged delays due to litigation, NAB inquiries, land disputes, bank guarantees, COVID-19 impacts, and contractual complications. Despite partial resumption of work, allottees continue to suffer from financial and operational setbacks. Chairman Mehmood warned, “Thousands of citizens invested in good faith; they deserve timely delivery, not excuses.” The Committee directed contractor Dr. Hafeez Abbasi to appear in the next session to explain persistent delays and emphasized that all stakeholders must cooperate to complete projects promptly. Officials confirmed that new housing schemes are on hold until ongoing projects are completed, highlighting a major bottleneck in government housing delivery. Other projects under scrutiny included lift replacements at Shaheed-e-Millat Secretariat, which remain incomplete, and the Model Jail project, where only Phase-I is near completion, while Phase-II, including women’s facilities, is still pending. The Committee demanded an on-site inspection in August to ensure accountability and prevent further slippage. In a stern warning, Senator Mehmood urged all ministries and departments to implement recommendations immediately and submit detailed progress reports in the next meeting, signaling zero tolerance for bureaucratic inaction.

Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Industries and Production today exposed alarming governance lapses and structural vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s industrial sector, raising serious questions over the future of Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and the proposed Automotive & Auto Parts Manufacturing Policy 2026–31. The session, chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, revealed that the Export Processing Zones Authority has been operating without a permanent chairman for an extended period, leaving critical decisions in limbo. Committee members expressed deep concern that this leadership vacuum is undermining investor confidence and delaying strategic initiatives crucial for industrial growth. Mandviwalla warned that the prolonged absence of leadership threatens compliance with Pakistan’s commitments under the IMF Extended Fund Facility (EFF), particularly the phase-out of incentives and restrictions on EPZ sales to the domestic market. Industry representatives attending the committee highlighted growing discontent over the draft Auto Policy 2026–31. While the policy aims to boost New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), increase domestic value addition, and expand exports, local manufacturers face crippling challenges. High tariffs on raw materials, steep duties, and overall cost disadvantages were flagged as severe obstacles that could prevent the policy’s objectives from materializing. “The government’s plan is ambitious, but without resolving operational bottlenecks, domestic producers will be left behind while international competitors gain an advantage,” said a senior industry official. The committee directed all stakeholders to submit formal grievances and scheduled a follow-up joint session with the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Industries and Production to ensure these issues are addressed before the next IMF review. Officials confirmed that EPZ incentives and operational rules require immediate reform, warning that failure to act decisively could deter foreign and domestic investment, compromise manufacturing growth, and slow Pakistan’s economic recovery. The committee stressed that rectifying these issues is critical not only for industrial expansion but also for maintaining Pakistan’s international credibility in trade agreements and IMF compliance.