The Balochistan High Court (BHC) has issued a stay order on the appointment of four directors to the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), following a petition alleging provincial quota violations.
Provincial Quota Dispute
The petitioner, Dr. Mohammad Aleem Akhtar, contended that the advertised positions favored candidates from Punjab, neglecting the constitutionally mandated provincial representation, particularly for Balochistan. He also noted that only four of the 11 vacant director positions were advertised, contrary to the DRAP Act 2012 and previous Supreme Court and BHC directives.
DRAP’s Structural Challenges
Established in 2012, DRAP comprises a Chief Executive Officer and 13 directors. However, over the past decade, most directorates have been led by officials with acting charges. Currently, only two directors hold permanent positions, with the remaining 11 operating under temporary assignments.
Judicial Directives for Regular Appointments
In 2013, the Supreme Court directed the government to appoint regular directors for DRAP, a directive reiterated by various courts over the years. In 2024, the Islamabad High Court ordered the completion of these appointments. Subsequently, four director positions were advertised, leading to the current legal challenge in the BHC over provincial quota concerns.
Court’s Interim Order
The BHC has instructed the Ministry of National Health Services and DRAP to halt the finalization of the appointment process until the quota issue is resolved, emphasizing adherence to constitutional provisions and equitable provincial representation.
DRAP’s Mandate
DRAP is responsible for regulating therapeutic goods in Pakistan, ensuring they meet quality, safety, and efficacy standards. Its functions include registration, vigilance, market surveillance, licensing, inspections, laboratory testing, clinical trial oversight, and pharmacovigilance.
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