Govt considering new thalassemia law

State interior minister and IGP donate blood

ISLAMABAD: The government is considering introducing legislation in parliament against the spread of thalassemia in the country.

This was stated by the State Minister for Interior Shaharyar Afridi on Friday while addressing a ceremony for thalassemia-affected children in the federal capital. During the ceremony, Islamabad Inspector General of Police Amir Zulfiqar Khan signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Thalassemia Centre operated by the Sundas Foundation.

Both Afridi and Aamir donated blood on the occasion.

Afridi said that the efforts of Islamabad IG served as a practical and inspiring example for others, adding that a blood collection drive among the civil armed forces and educational institutions will kick off next week.

The junior minister said that he believes it was his responsibility to work for the welfare of the children suffering from the disease. He added that they will take up the issue of thalassemia in the lower and the upper houses of parliament.

IGP Amir disclosed that when he served as the chief of the National Highways and Motorways Police (MHNP), he had visited the Shaukat Khanum Thalassemia Centre and other institutions and donated blood to set an inspiring example for officers under his charge.

He announced that the 330 children of the thalassemia centre will be soon invited to the Police Lines Headquarters for a tour.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 13^th, 2019.