Islamabad: The Senate was informed today that over two million smart electricity meters have been installed across the country to combat electricity theft and address technical challenges. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry highlighted that these smart meters have also contributed to improved revenue collection for power distribution companies.
According to Radio Pakistan, Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik revealed that significant quantities of gas and oil have been extracted in the past three years. Specifically, 72,126 million cubic feet of gas and 6.73 million barrels of oil have been produced by OGDCL and other entities from the oil and gas fields located in Lakki Marwat and Karak.
Addressing a Calling Attention Notice, Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal discussed the government's efforts to tackle issues concerning medicine prices and their availability. He mentioned the formation of a Cabinet Committee, comprising six Ministers, to review matters pertaining to medicine pricing and approvals. Additionally, he noted that approximately 85% of medicines consumed in Pakistan are produced locally, and steps are being taken to address concerns over the availability of certain unregulated medicines.
Mustafa Kamal also emphasized advancements in the registration process for medical devices, which now allows completion within twenty days via an online portal, a significant reduction from the previous duration of two and a half years.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah Khan stated that the government is diligently adhering to the Supreme Court's rulings regarding the medical check-up and treatment of PTI's founding chairman. He assured that a panel of doctors has evaluated and declared him healthy, with the opposition concurring on his good health status. The government has ensured the best possible medical care for him while in prison and remains committed to following any further directives from the court.
Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal also informed that two CT angiography machines are operational at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. He clarified that if a patient's vital signs are stable, a CT angiography scan or other procedures are not warranted, reaffirming the government's commitment to the health of PTI's founding chairman.
The Senate session concluded with an announcement that the House will reconvene on Friday at 10:30 in the morning.