The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has barred the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) from increasing medicine prices.
PHC issued a stay order in this regard on Thursday which halts DRAP from implementing the revised prices.
Earlier this month, DRAP had issued a notification with the approval of the federal government which allowed an increment of 15 percent in drug prices across the country, including the life-saving drugs.
The move was soon challenged in the Peshawar High Court. The petitioner pleaded that the price hike was against the spirit of Articles 9 and 14 of the Constitution.
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During the hearing today, the petitioner’s lawyer argued that by raising the medicine prices, the government had relinquished its responsibility towards masses.
He said that the federation is like a mother to its citizens. But, instead of providing relief, it has further burdened the people of Pakistan.
The two-member bench comprising Justice Ikramullah Khan and Justice Musarrat Hilali issued a stay order on the implementation of the DRAP notification.
The bench then issued summon notices to relevant federal government officials and other concerned authorities for the next hearing on February 3.
Via: Tribune
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