ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is facing an acute shortage of life-saving drugs needed to treat cancer, diabetes, epilepsy and heart conditions, confirmed doctors, patients and distributors on Thursday, saying the absence of these medicines from local market was putting thousands of lives at risk.
The shortage was observed across the country in recent weeks after the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) slapped an unannounced ban on the import of raw material used by drug manufacturing firms to preserve foreign currency reserves that hit $4.6 billion – sufficient to cover only about three weeks of imports.
“The insulin is short in the market and diabetic people like me are running from pillar to post to get it,” Abdul Rehman, a 22-year-old man, told Arab News.
“A black market has emerged due to this shortage where people have to pay double the price for these medicines to get them in very limited quantity,” he continued, urging the government to at least ensure the availability of life-saving drugs in the market.
Likewise, some essential medicines for the treatment of cancer and heart conditions are also not available.
“Hundreds of cancer and heart patients daily visit us for medicines, but we suggest them alternatives due to an acute shortage,” Jahanzeb, a representative of CHEF International distribution company who did not share his surname, told Arab News.
He said almost all drugs for the treatment of cancer and heart conditions were imported for domestic consumption, adding they remained in short supply due to the import ban.
Jahanzeb said injections like Adriblastina, Cisplatin and Carpsol were essential for cancer treatment but they were no longer available in market.
He also informed that some essential locally manufactured drugs like Tegral, used to treat epilepsy, were also short in short supply since pharmaceutical companies were not allowed to import raw material.
A representative of BH Distributors, Waseem, said some drugs to treat blood cancer, such as Gleevec and Tasigna, were also not available and patients were “forced to consume low-quality alternatives.”
Rizwan Iqbal, a representative at Novartis Pakistan, which imports Gleevec and Tasigna medicines, confirmed the drugs were not available in market due to “the government’s ban on import.”
“We are hopeful these crucial drugs will become available to patients in Pakistan in the first week of February if the government allows us to import,” he told Arab News. “At the moment, we don’t have any shipments available for distribution.”
The government on the other hand appears oblivious to the situation as no concrete measure is on the cards of the health ministry to ensure the availability of these medicines.
“I am not aware of it,” Dr. Shazia Sobia, a parliamentary secretary for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, told Arab News. “The minister may have discussed the situation with the finance ministry or taken up the issue in the cabinet meeting.”
Pakistan’s health minister Abdul Qadir Patel did not return calls to present the official perspective on the issue until the filing of this report.
“The situation is getting graver by the day as the lives of thousands of patients across Pakistan are at risk due to the shortage of medicines,” Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Shoro, secretary-general of the Pakistan Medical Association, told Arab News.
“The government should open the import of medicines and raw material for local manufacturing on priority to avert a health crisis in the country,” he added.
Pakistan faces shortage of cancer, diabetes and heart drugs as dollars dry up
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Pakistan faces shortage of cancer, diabetes and heart drugs as dollars dry up
- Novartis Pakistan confirms anti-cancer drugs are not available in market due to import ban imposed by government
- Distributors say local medicines to treat epilepsy and other diseases are also short due to unavailability of raw material
Pakistan says prioritizes diplomacy, day after airstrikes in Afghanistan kill 46
- Pakistan army and government have not yet officially confirmed the airstrikes
- Media reports say Pakistan had hit militant hideouts, killing several insurgents
ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said on Thursday Islamabad prioritized diplomacy with neighboring Afghanistan, a day after the country's Afghan Taliban rulers said at least 46 people including women and children had been killed in Pakistani airstrikes in the eastern border province of Paktika.
The Pakistan army and government have not yet officially confirmed the airstrikes, which the Afghan Taliban have condemned, saying they had targeted "mostly civilians."
Media widely reported on Wednesday that Pakistani security forces targeted multiple suspected hideouts of the Pakistani Taliban, also known as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), dismantling a training facility and killing several insurgents.
At a weekly press briefing on Thursday, Baloch declined to confirm Tuesday’s airstrikes but said Pakistan was committed to the security of its people, and its security and law enforcement personnel conducted operations based on “concrete intelligence” against terror groups operating in the border areas.
“I would like to add here that Pakistan believes in dialogue and diplomacy. We have always prioritized diplomacy in our relations with Afghanistan,” Baloch said. “Despite the presence of terror hideouts and sanctuaries, and the consistent threat they pose to Pakistan, we have always opted for diplomacy.”
Baloch reiterated Pakistan's demand that Afghanistan prevent the use of its territory for terror attacks against Pakistan, calling on the neighbor to work with Islamabad to combat the threat posed by groups like the TTP.
“And any issues that either side has with regards to border management, trade and transit trade, security, terrorism, these issues remain high on our bilateral agenda,” Baloch added.
Border tensions between the two countries have escalated since the Taliban government seized power in 2021, with Pakistan battling a resurgence of militant violence in its western border regions.
Islamabad has accused Kabul’s Taliban authorities of harboring militant fighters, allowing them to strike on Pakistani soil with impunity. Kabul has denied the allegations.
The banned TTP group said in a statement on Wednesday the strikes had hit “the homes of defenseless refugees” on Tuesday evening, killing at least 50 civilians, including 27 women and children.
Deadly air strikes by Pakistan’s military in the border regions of Afghanistan in March that the Taliban authorities said killed eight civilians had prompted skirmishes on the frontier.
China, Pakistan unveil sculptures of founding fathers, highlighting strategic ties
- The statues unveiled in Pakistan’s federal capital have been created by a veteran Chinese sculptor
- PM Sharif says the event showed the depth of Pakistan-China ties based on trust and cooperation
ISLAMABAD: A Chinese delegation visiting Pakistan on Thursday unveiled sculptures of the founding fathers of both nations, Chairman Mao Zedong of China and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah of Pakistan, in a ceremony, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailing the event as a testament to the historic bonds between the two nations.
The event honored the pivotal roles of Mao and Jinnah in shaping the destinies of their respective nations. Mao led China through a transformative revolution, laying the foundation for its rise as a global power, while Jinnah, revered as
Pakistan’s father of the nation, spearheaded the movement for the creation of an independent homeland for Muslims in South Asia.
Last year, Pakistan’s diplomatic mission in Beijing unveiled similar statues of the two leaders during a ceremony attended by high-ranking Chinese officials and dignitaries.
The sculptures unveiled in Pakistan’s federal capital today were created by veteran Chinese artist Yuan Xikun, who expressed his pride in contributing to this historic project.
“It’s a great honor for me to be here at the Prime Minister’s Office for the unveiling ceremony of the sculptures of Pakistan’s father of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the brave leader of China, Chairman Mao Zedong, which I had been invited to create,” Yuan said.
“It’s the best commemoration of the 148th anniversary of the birth of Jinnah and the 131st anniversary of the birth of Mao Zedong,” he added.
Pakistan marked Jinnah’s birth anniversary, which falls on December 25, just a day ago, while China is commemorating Mao’s birthday today, December 26.
The Chinese sculptor said the inauguration of the statues reaffirmed the common admiration and respect that the two nations have for their leaders.
He also maintained the ceremony symbolized the brotherhood between the two countries.
Prime Minister Sharif, who was present at the gathering, underscored the depth of Pakistan-China relations, describing them as a model of mutual respect, trust and cooperation.
“The historic bonds between Pakistan and China forged over decades are a testament to our shared values, mutual respect, trust, and cooperation,” he said.
Highlighting the multifaceted collaboration between the two nations, Sharif praised initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), cultural exchanges and educational programs.
“Hundreds of young Pakistani students visiting Chinese universities and learning Mandarin are building a bridge between Beijing and Islamabad,” he added, adding the first batch of Pakistani agriculture graduates would visit China early next year to gain expertise in modern farming techniques.
Pakistan’s Dewan Farooque Motors to launch Chinese electric trucks in 2025
- Completely Built Units of the ‘Kama’ have already arrived in Pakistan for local assembly
- New Chinese electric truck leverages robust structure of diesel-powered Shehzore model
KARACHI: Dewan Farooque Motors Limited, a Pakistani automobile importer and manufacturer based in Karachi, will assemble Chinese electric trucks locally, with the vehicle’s launch scheduled for the first quarter of next year, a project director at the company said.
Pakistan approved an ambitious National Electric Vehicles Policy (NEVP) in 2019 with the goal that electric vehicles would comprise 30 percent of all passenger vehicles and heavy-duty truck sales by 2030. It has set an even more ambitious target of electric vehicles comprising 90 percent of all vehicle sales by 2040.
“The ‘Kama,’ our new Chinese electric truck, leverages the robust structure of our diesel-powered Shehzore model. For Test trial, CBU (completely built) units have already arrived in Pakistan for further proceeding to local assembly, with a launch planned within first quarter of 2025,” Kashif Riaz, Director Projects at Dewan Farooque Motors, told Arab News.
“Traditionally, commercial trucks have a voracious appetite for fuel. Electrifying them dramatically reduces operating costs. This light commercial vehicle has a 300 Kilometer e-range and supports rapid charging.”
Riaz said the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in Pakistan could bring international acclaim and even secure carbon credits from the World Bank, presenting a “golden opportunity” as Pakistan possessed the necessary capacity, skilled workforce, and infrastructure for domestic manufacturing.
“With abundant lithium resources and the potential for in-country battery production, 100 percent localized electric vehicle manufacturing is within reach,” the project direxctor added.
“By eliminating the need for traditional engines and transmissions, and by localizing production of key components like batteries, Pakistan can position itself as a global exporter of electric vehicles. Stronger support for domestic EV manufacturing will undoubtedly accelerate production.”
NEW EV POLICY
Hybrid electric vehicle sales in Pakistan have more than doubled in the past year. BYD Pakistan, a partnership between China’s BYD and Pakistani car group Mega Motors, said in September up to 50 percent of all vehicles bought in Pakistan by 2030 will be electrified in some form in line with global targets.
The Warren Buffett-backed Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD announced its entry into Pakistan in August, making the nation of 250 million people one of its newest markets.
Local media reported in August that standards for EV charging stations had been drafted by the power ministry, with the government considering offering them affordable electricity.
Under the new EV policy, the government has introduced subsidies of Rs50,000 for electric motorcycles and Rs200,000 for three-wheelers like rickshaws, with a total allocation of Rs4 billion. These subsidies will be distributed through auctions. So far, two companies have been granted licenses, and 31 more applications are under review.
The policy also incorporates a reduction in the policy rate from 22 to 15 percent, with financing available at a three percent Kibor (Karachi Interbank Offered Rate) and the government covering the financial cost. Consumers will pay monthly installments of around Rs9,000 over two years, an amount lower than their projected fuel savings.
A Credit Loss Guarantee managed by the Finance Division will ensure no financial burden on the Ministry of Industries or consumers.
Additional initiatives include offering free electric bikes or scooters to 120 high-achieving students and reducing duties on EV components to encourage local manufacturing. The government is also set to establish a New Energy Fund and a New Energy Vehicle Center to support these measures.
BYD Pakistan is also collaborating with two oil marketing companies to establish a charging infrastructure network and aims to establish 20 to 30 charging stations within the initial phases concurrent with the rollout of its cars.
BYD Pakistan will initially sell fully assembled vehicles, which are subject to higher import charges than vehicles shipped in parts and assembled locally. Dewan Motors is also set to launch its EVs under the completely knocked down (CKD) license.
Pakistan says 2024 dominated by ‘robust exchanges’ with Gulf nations
- Pakistan has been pushing for foreign investment to shore up its $350 billion economy
- Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar remained key focus of Pakistan’s bilateral engagements in 2024
ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch on Thursday outlined Pakistan’s key bilateral engagements for 2024 during a year-end briefing, saying 2024 was dominated by “robust” engagements with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations.
Pakistan has been pushing for foreign investment in a bid to shore up its $350 billion economy as it navigates a challenging recovery path and has been buttressed by a $7 billion facility from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in September. It has particularly looked to strengthen ties with allies and friendly nations, particularly the UAE, which said it would invest $10 billion in promising economic sectors, and Saudi Arbia, which has promised a $5 billion investment package that cash-strapped Islamabad desperately needs to shore up foreign reserves and fight a chronic balance of payment crisis.
“There was a robust exchange of high-level engagements between Pakistan and the GCC countries,” Baloch said in her last briefing of the year 2024, adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif undertook four official visits to Saudi Arabia which had consolidated the two nations’ “strategic and economic partnership.”
“Important understandings were reached with the kingdom of Saudi Arabia in political security and economic domains, and to translate the commitment between Pakistan and his Royal Highness Prince Mohammad bin Salman to expedite investment package worth $5 billion,” the spokeswoman said.
Pakistani and Saudi businesses signed 34 MoUs worth $2.8 billion in October. The prime minister’s office said this month seven of the 34 MoUs had been actualized into agreements worth $560 million.
The foreign office spokeswoman said trade and investment opportunities also remained a key focus of Pakistan’s bilateral engagements with Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE in 2024.
“Cooperation will be prioritized with these countries in energy, mining and aviation sectors,” she told reporters.
In May this year, Sharif said UAE’s Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had “made a commitment of investing $10 billion in multiple sectors.”
Last month, the government’s spokesperson Attaullah Tarar said Qatar would invest $3 billion in diverse Pakistani sectors. In June, Pakistan also signed a loan agreement with Kuwait for $25 million for Mohmand Dam, with assurances of support from the Kuwait Fund that it would engage its Arab Coordination Group to finance Diamer Bhasha Dam.
Pakistan and Kuwait also signed agreements on industrial cooperation and engineering in May.
Pakistan discovers gas reserves in northwest with potential to produce 2.14 million cubic feet daily
Pakistan discovers gas reserves in northwest with potential to produce 2.14 million cubic feet daily
- Discovery is expected to enhance the South Asian nation’s energy self-sufficiency, says state media
- Pakistan had recently reported decline in gas reserves, raising concerns about higher energy imports
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has discovered gas reserves in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province with the capacity to produce 2.14 million cubic feet of gas per day (MCFD), the state broadcaster reported on Thursday.
Pakistan heavily relies on oil and gas imports and has faced gas outages in recent years due to a decline in domestic gas supplies and failed attempts to purchase expensive gas from the international spot market.
Last year in June, the Energy Planning Resource Center, which operates under the planning ministry, reported a sharp decline in gas reserves, raising concerns about future gas production and supply in Pakistan. The center projected that natural gas production might shrink to 2,306 MCFD by 2030.
“Under the natural resources exploration projects of the Special Investment Facilitation Council, the OGDCL has discovered significant gas reserves in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” Radio Pakistan said. “The discovered reserves are capable of producing up to 2.14 million cubic feet of gas per day.”
It added the discovery would enhance Pakistan’s energy self-sufficiency and pave the way for further exploration in the mining sector.
In October, the China Central Depository and Clearing Company signed a deal with the OGDCL to develop Pakistan’s tight gas potential. Tight gas, a type of unconventional gas requiring advanced extraction methods, is found in reservoir rocks with low permeability, most often sandstone.
In February, the OGDCL announced the discovery of a new natural gas reserve in the Khairpur district of southern Sindh province.
In October last year, Mari Petroleum Company Limited, an Islamabad-based petroleum exploration and lease company, unveiled a substantial gas discovery in Pakistan’s southern Ghotki-Sindh region, with initial estimates indicating a daily yield of 1.11 MCFD.
In September 2022, the OGDCL also discovered gas deposits in the Kohat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Founded in 1961, the OGDCL explores, drills, refines and sells oil and gas in Pakistan. The company has gained importance as the country seeks to boost domestic supplies and attract foreign investment.
