ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Wednesday summoned the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Director-General Bashir Ahmed Memon in a case pertaining to factories producing counterfeit drugs case.
The CJP was hearing a complaint lodged by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) with the Supreme Court’s (SC) Human Rights Cell (HRC) against Everest Pharmaceuticals for manufacturing fake drugs.
The complaint states that the company’s owner Chaudhry Usman used his connections to harass the DRAP staff.
The three-member bench was informed that NAB had withdrawn the notice against DRAP and the proceedings against the accused had been closed.
Moreover, a report prepared by FIA in the fake medicines case was also submitted to the court.
In response to which, the CJP remarked that RPO Bahawalpur who pressurised DRAP officers has been deemed to be innocent. “Did DG FIA investigate the matter himself?” he questioned and summoned the official before the court.
During the hearing, Deputy Attorney General informed the court that a challan in the case has also been submitted according to which factory owner Chaudhry Usman has been held responsible in the case.
Moreover, DRAP chief executive officer (CEO) shared that three cases have been registered against Usman, adding that DRAP has so far conducted 1,217 inspections and sealed 195 factories.
He told the court that inquiry into those making fake medicines has been possible because of court orders. “Unregistered medicines were provided to Sindh and Punjab,” said the drug regulatory head.
DRAP official also said that 143 medicines of Everest Pharma were proven to fake and unregistered, adding that the pharmaceutical company’s Customs clearance was fake.
The apex court ordered DRAP to submit a report on an investigation against fake medicines in 15 days.
