LHC suspends notification of life-saving drugs price hike

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has intervened to suspend the notification issued by the federal government regarding the hike in prices of life-saving drugs.

This decision comes as a relief for many citizens, particularly in light of concerns raised regarding the potential adverse effects of such a price increase on access to essential medication.

The legal proceedings were initiated by a citizen named Muhammad Aslam, who presented a compelling argument against the government’s decision.

Aslam’s petition contended that the government’s action, which sought to alter the pricing mechanism for medicines, was not only against existing laws but also posed a threat of exacerbating the financial burden on patients.

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Citing constitutional grounds, Aslam highlighted that the caretaker government lacked the authority to implement such significant policy changes, especially considering the imminent transition to a new democratic government.

The petitioner’s assertion resonated with the court, leading to the immediate suspension of the contentious notification pending further deliberation.

During the initial hearing, Justice Shahid Karim presided over the case and granted the petitioner’s request to halt the price hike until a final verdict is reached.

 Furthermore, the court has directed the caretaker government of Punjab, along with other relevant stakeholders, to provide their responses and justifications for the price increase in the upcoming hearings.