PIMA terms centre’s task force an unconstitutional move 

KARACHI: The Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) has raised serious concerns regarding the establishment of a Task Force on Medical Education and Patient Care by the federal government, terming it an unconstitutional move by the caretaker government.

A joint resolution of PIMA central executive council expressed dismay over the creation of the Task Force in November 2023, with its formal announcement made on December 18, 2023. PIMA argued that this step exceeded the powers granted to the caretaker government by the Constitution.

It says the caretaker minister and government's unilateral action directly conflicts with Chapter 14, Section 230, Sub-section 2-C of the Constitution, which explicitly denies complete autonomy to the caretaker government. Moreover, PIMA highlighted that the approval of the committee or task force, as well as the appointment of its members, lacked consideration of basic requirements.

PIMA says that the enhancement of medical education and, consequently, improved patient care is an ongoing and vital process that necessitates transparency and collective effort to formulate policies aligned with national requirements.

Recognizing that a majority of Pakistan's population resides in rural areas, PIMA asserted that any initiative to elevate standards in medical education and training must align with ground realities. The improvement of factors impacting patient care requires adequate resources and representation from all stakeholders in the Task Force.

PIMA urged the caretaker government to adhere to its constitutional limits and refrain from forming task forces that fall under the purview of the elected government.

The association appealed to the caretaker prime minister and, specifically, the chief justice of Pakistan to ensure that caretaker ministers, whether central or provincial, adhere to constitutional procedures when governing state affairs. The judiciary, in this regard, was called upon to bind the caretaker government, preventing actions that exceed constitutional powers.