ISLAMABAD: Interim report about reduction in the price of medicines has been presented in Supreme Court (SC)..
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar remarked “ parliament has to decide about imposing or removing the tax. Tax matter does not fall in the jurisdiction of the court. The court has to see the matters in accordance with the laws which have been already enacted.
He further observed “ it is my desire that what matters of public interest I have taken up I should go after disposing of them. Later you will go on chanting slogans that I went only after doing empty talks and I did nothing.
He gave these remarks while presiding over a two members bench of SC during the course of hearing of medicines prices case here Friday.
All the concerned authorities including health secretary appeared in the court and presented interim report about reduction in the prices of the medicines.
CJP remarked “ we will resolve here all the matters of public interest which we have taken up. Complete report should be filed on this matter in the first week of May. We will decide after seeing detailed report.
The citizen prayed that pharmaceutical industry pays Rs 25 billion against different taxes. The burden of these taxes is shifted to the people. Pharmaceutical industry should be declared tax free.
CJP remarked “ parliament has to decide about levying or withdrawing taxes. Tax matter does not fall in the domain of the court. The court has to see the matter according to the laws which have already been enacted.
The court while summoning detailed report from the authorities concerned about the reduction in the prices of medicines adjourned the hearing of the case till May 15.