FIA Launches Inquiry Against Dr. Zafar Mirza In Alleged Masks Scam!

FIA Inquiry Zafar Mirza Masks

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is going to investigate a complaint submitted against Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Dr. Zafar Mirza on Health and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap). The complaint alleges that Dr. Zafar Mirza permitted the export of masks along with other personal protective equipment for financial gains.

FIA initiates investigation against Dr. Zafar Mirza on smuggling 20 million face masks!

According to FIA, Additional Director General (North) Hassan Ali has ordered the director of the Islamabad zone to take needed action and present a report within two weeks.

FIA Inquiry Zafar Mirza Masks

Source: Twitter

Besides, Dr. Furqan Ibrahim, a delegate of the Pakistan Young Pharmacists Association (PYPA) had filed the complaint. He alleges Dr. Zafar Mirza helped in smuggling around 20 million face masks out of the country.

Nonetheless, a representative for the Ministry of National Health Services (NHS) declares that the masks went out on appeal of the Chinese embassy in Pakistan.

Also read: N-95 Masks Being Sold In Pakistan For 1000% Profit After Shortage

”We have sufficient stock of the equipment!”

According to another notification, on January 30th, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) had prevented the export of masks and other protective items. The items include N95 masks, goggles, face shields, disposable gloves, disposable gowns, and many more. As per the notification, owing to coronavirus, which is soaring in the country, the government imposed the ban.

Nevertheless, the government permitted five corporations to export personal protective items on Feb 8th.

Besides, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) conducted raids upon the illegal sale of masks.

As per, Dr. Asim Rauf Drap Chief Executive Officer, “We have allowed export of masks and other equipment due to our close relations with China. However, we have sufficient stock of the equipment”.

Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap)’s Statement!

“One such allegation is made by them against SAPM and an additional director of Drap regarding face masks. It is a baseless allegation. Drap has decided to sue the PYPA for their repeated allegations to undermine efforts to curb the menace of dubious medicine in the market. Many cases of violation of the DRAP Act 2012 and Drugs Act 1976 came in against Noor Mohammad Mahar and Mohammad Usman who use the PYPA for their personal interests.”

“The office-bearers of this organization bear involvement in the heinous crime of manufacturing and sale of spurious, misbranded, unregistered and sub-standard drugs playing with the lives of patients and mocking the law. Drap took legal action against this mafia and filed several FIR’s. It is apprehended that in the emergent situation of coronavirus in the country, such elements have tried to twist the facts for getting their own benefits.”

FIA Inquiry Zafar Mirza Masks

Source: Washington Post

“Drap requests public and the media to remain vigilant of such elements for spreading misinformation in these cautious times. References are sent to the authorities to apprehend such elements and their allies i.e. Haroon Yousaf, Noor Mohammad Mahar, and Mohammad Usman and make them accountable for their offenses which have endangered public health,” the statement reads.

Above all, in this grave scenario, when school holidays are extended due to coronavirus, the complaint against Dr. Zafar Mirza is worrisome. Furthermore, FIA should investigate the matter holistically to bring out a clear picture.

What do you think of the allegations? Tell us in the comments section below!

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