Islamabad:
In a significant decision aimed at protecting public health, the federal cabinet has approved a five-year extension to the exemption on the import of life-saving medicines, particularly those used for the treatment of cancer and heart disease.
The approval was granted during a cabinet meeting held on Wednesday in Islamabad, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Officials briefed the meeting that these medicines are vital for saving lives and ensuring uninterrupted treatment for critical patients across the country.
Under the revised policy, the imported medicines will continue to be distributed exclusively through hospitals and affiliated medical institutions, while their sale in retail markets will remain prohibited. Importers will be required to seek prior approval from the relevant licensing authority before bringing these drugs into Pakistan.
Increase in EOBI pensions approved
In another major development, the cabinet approved a 15% increase in pensions for beneficiaries under the Employees’ Old Age Benefits Institution (EOBI), with effect from January this year. The increase will be funded entirely through the institution’s own financial resources.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also instructed the formation of a cabinet committee to propose institutional reforms within EOBI. The committee will assess options to extend old age benefits to informal sector workers such as domestic helpers, agricultural labourers, and other vulnerable groups who have historically been deprived of social security coverage. Officials stated that the reforms will aim to protect the rights of workers across all sectors and bring long-overdue inclusivity to Pakistan’s labour welfare framework
