Islamabad - The Senate Monday continued the discussion on the role of institutions in the context of trichotomy of power.

Members of the Upper House, which resumed with Mian Raza Rabbani in the chair, called for forming a Committee of the Whole for a meaningful dialogue among the national institutions.

Three members of the Senate — Khushbhakhat Shujjat and Barrister Saif of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan and Mohsin Aziz of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf discussed the issue.

Senator Shujjat emphasised the need for inviting all stakeholders including media representatives to reach a consensus for a meaningful dialogue process under the proposed Committee of the Whole.

Senator Aziz said that there were so many contradictions in the governance system which needed to be addressed and removed. He was of the view that there were two laws prevailing in the country – one for the ruling elite and the other for the poor. He also demanded to form a Committee of the Whole to set things right.

Barrister Saif said that each institution was trying to weaken other institution which in his opinion was natural and logical. He was of the view that conflict among the institutions was also natural. He said that only justice can help set things right and also demanded the formation of a Committee of the Whole to take the dialogue process among the state institutions to a logical end.

Earlier, the Senate was informed that the government was ensuring quality, affordable and sufficient drugs in the country.

Winding up the discussion on a motion moved by Azam Khan Swati regarding the overall performance of Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan the Minister for National Health Services Saira Afzal Tarar said that no shortage of any medicine has been reported in the country for the last six months. Tarar said bar coding of medicines has also been introduced to ensure quality.

She said that Pakistan exports of the pharmaceutical industry have increased which indicates the quality of our drugs.

She said that prices of drugs were also regulated to provide the commodity on affordable rates to consumers.

Prior to adjournment, the House also disposed of a number of issues of public importance raised by the members. The House was adjourned to meet again today at 3 pm.