Stop illegal transplantation of human organs forthwith: SC

 Seeks reports from federal, provincial govts in six weeks

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday directed the federal and provincial governments to get illegal transplantation of human organs stopped forthwith and also asked these governments to submit detailed reports on effective measures taken so far to control this illegal act in six weeks.

A three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, resumed hearing in the suo moto case on illegal transplantation of human organs.The court observed that being the case of humanity, the government should make all-out efforts and take immediate effective measures to control the illegal transplantation of human organs.

Appearing on notice, Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf submitted before the court that the federal government had directed the provinces to take  immediate steps to control the illegal transplantation of human organs illegally, adding that there was dire need of legislation in the matter in hand.

The principal law officer informed the court that teams had been constituted at the local level to monitor the illegal transplantation and the concerned authorities were taking strict actions against those who involved in this illegal activity.

During the course of hearing, counsel representing Al-Syed Hospital argued that the Punjab government had submitted report, wherein it had been mentioned that the teams had been constituted at local level in the whole province to monitor the illegal transplantation.

He pleaded the court in the light of such efforts being made by the government of Punjab, the instant suo moto matter may kindly be disposed of. The court however, rejected the request of Al-Syed Kidney Centre, Rawalpindi.

Justice Mian Saqib Nisar observed that the instant matter was related to human beings and of immense public interest case hence they would not dispose of the case, adding that the government should seriously look into the matter and take effective measures to control the illegal transplantation of human organs.

Justice Saqib Nisar lauded the steps taken by the authorities concerned for establishing committees however, he observed that some time, committees didn’t perform its duties. Meanwhile the court adjourned the matter for six weeks with directions to the federal and provincial governments to submit a detailed report in the matter in hand.