ISLAMABAD: The Senate was informed today that more than two million smart electricity meters have been installed nationwide in an effort to combat electricity theft and resolve technical challenges. This development aims to enhance the efficiency of power distribution across the country.

According to Radio Pakistan, during the Senate’s Question Hour, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry highlighted that the installation of smart meters has also significantly improved the recovery efforts of power distribution companies. Furthermore, Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik provided insight into the country’s energy production, disclosing that 72,126 million cubic feet of gas and 6.73 million barrels of oil were produced over the past three years from fields in Lakki Marwat and Karak.

In other legislative discussions, Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal addressed the government’s initiatives to tackle issues related to medicine pricing and availability. He announced the formation of a Cabinet Committee consisting of six Ministers to evaluate these matters. Kamal noted that 85 percent of medicines used in Pakistan are produced locally, and concerns about unregulated medicines are being actively managed. Improvements in the registration process for medical devices were also emphasized, with the process now reduced to a 20-day period via an online portal.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah Khan affirmed the government’s adherence to the Supreme Court’s directives concerning the medical treatment of the PTI’s founding chairman. He assured that the government has provided necessary medical care and will continue to comply with future court orders. Minister Kamal reiterated that the government is attentive to the chairman’s health, confirming the operational status of CT angiography machines at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad.

The Senate is scheduled to reconvene on Friday at 10:30 a.m.