Appointment of CEO DRAP challenged in IHC

Lahore: Appointment of an official of a multinational pharmaceutical company as CEO of Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has been challenged in the Islamabad High Court (IHC).

Justice Athar Minallah of the IHC has admitted the petition for hearing and issued notices to the respondents seeking a reply within fifteen days.

According to the details former vice president of FPCCI Mirza Abdul Rehman challenged appointment of Aslam Afghani as CEO DRPA in IHC through Ali Nawaz Kharal advocate.

The petitioner prayed that CEO DRAP is working in Otsuka Pharmaceutical as director but he was appointed despite availability of four competent officials in the public sector which is violation of sections 5 and 18 of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan Act 2012.

An official from private sector can only be appointed as CEO DRAP if there is no one available in the public sector, he said.

Mirza Abdul Rehman who has also served as Chairman FPCCI Standing Committee on Pharmaceuticals further prayed that Mr Afghanis has appointed against a monthly salary of 12 lakh rupees, Rs 75 thousand annual increment and other benefits which is wastage of funds.

He said that government ignored the four public servants who qualified in initial interview conducted for CEO DRAP held on December 24 last year and gave control of pharma sector in the hands of a director of a multinational which is conflict of interest.

The petitioner further said that CEO DRAP is not conversant with Drug rules and that local pharmaceutical companies fear victimization by multinational which have gained additional power.

He prayed the court to cancel appointment orders issued in favour of Mr. Aslam Afghani. The court admitted petition and issued notices to all the defendants.

It may be mentioned that earlier, local pharma industry and some politicians had voiced against the decision and asked government to reverse the orders.