Pakistan says seizure of commercial goods by India 'unjustified'
Islamabad, Mar 3: Pakistan on Sunday protested India's "unjustified seizure" of commercial goods destined for Karachi, saying the consignment was a "simple case" of import of a commercial lathe machine by a commercial entity which supplies parts to the automobile industry in this country.
The comments by the Foreign Office came after security agencies at Mumbai's Nhava Sheva port intercepted and seized the consignment of a Karachi-bound ship from China after it was found carrying a dual-use consignment with implications for Pakistan's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.
Customs officials, acting on intelligence, halted the Malta-flagged merchant ship -- CMA CGM Attila -- en route to Karachi on January 23 and, during its inspection, found that the consignment had a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine, manufactured by an Italian company, known for its precision and efficiency controlled by a computer system.
CNC machines fall under the Wassenaar Arrangement, an international arms control regime aimed at curbing the spread of items with dual civilian and military applications, in which India is an active participant. The CNC machine was used by North Korea in its nuclear programme.
In response to media questions regarding the seizure of commercial equipment destined for Pakistan, the Foreign Office Spokesperson said that these reports are reflective of Indian media's "misrepresentation of facts".
"This is a simple case of import of a commercial lathe machine by a Karachi-based commercial entity which supplies parts to the automobile industry in Pakistan.
"Specifications of the equipment clearly indicate its purely commercial use. The transaction was being conducted through transparent banking channels with all the relevant documentation," the spokesperson said.
"Pakistan condemns India's high-handedness in seizure of commercial goods. This disruption of free trade underscores the dangers inherent in arbitrary assumption of policing roles by states with dubious credentials. Such acts also highlight the growing impunity of certain states in violating international norms and taking arbitrary measures in violation of international law," the official said.
The relevant private entities are pursuing the matter against this "unjustified seizure," the spokesperson added.
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Beef up healthcare services in HP: Jai Ram Thakur advises state govt after ruckus at hospital
Shimla (PTI): Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur on Tuesday said the state government should take concrete steps to prevent overcrowding at hospitals, enhance security arrangements, reduce excessive workload and curb administrative negligence, which he held responsible for the assault of a patient by a doctor at a prominent hospital here.
In a statement issued here, Thakur said that this incident is a serious warning to the health department and the state government.
His statement came a day after a junior resident doctor allegedly assaulted a patient, throwing multiple punches, following an argument at the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), sparking a protest with the victim's relatives demanding that the doctor be handed over to them.
A video of the shocking incident also surfaced on social media.
The leader of the opposition said the government should take concrete steps instead of making statements.
Expressing concern over the deteriorating condition of the healthcare sector in Himachal Pradesh, Thakur said today, the people are suffering due to this collapse in the sector.
"The state government should prioritise healthcare services and should immediately fill vacant posts in the sector. They should also strengthen security arrangements in hospitals and ensure uninterrupted supply of medicines and medical equipment in hospitals,” he added.
He further said that the state government should work honestly to ensure that the benefits of central schemes are provided to every person in Himachal Pradesh.
"Schemes such as Himcare and Ayushman Bharat should be ensured for the people, as they are very beneficial for poor and needy families as well as for the middle-class people. However, due to negligence and mismanagement of the government in implementing them, people are unable to avail the benefits,” Thakur said.
He also alleged that, despite the budget being allocated by the Centre for these schemes, patients are unable to avail the basic facilities.
The situation is such that even many essential medicines are not available for patients, he added.
