Senate has passed a resolution moved by Senator Kamran Murtaza seeking provision of free coronavirus vaccine for all Pakistani citizens.
The resolution was passed on Monday despite the opposition by the government. At least 43 senators supported the resolution, whereas 31 senators opposed the resolution.
The government opposed the resolution, calling it a charge-sheet against the government. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmaker Ali Muhammad Khan said that the government will support the resolution, but on a condition that the issue will not be politicised.
Senate Opposition Leader Yousaf Raza Gillani said the people cannot afford vaccine on its own. “Either the government should provide free vaccines or it should be sold on market price,” the PPP leader said, urging the government for mass vaccination.
During the session, PPP leader Sherry Rehman asked the government about its vaccination drive. “Tell us how many vaccines have been procured by the government so far,” the senator said, adding that the Drug Regulatory Authority Pakistan has yet to decide on the vaccine’s pricing.
She called out the government for poor handling of the pandemic, citing a World Health Organisation report that urged Pakistan to increase its testing rate.
More to follow
