LAHORE, Nov 27: The Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) has condemned the criminal action against the pharma company which manufactured cough syrup saying that the firm had suffered an irreparable loss.

At a press conference here on Tuesday, PPMA North Zone Chairman Saleem Iqbal said the criminal action against the pharma company before completion of the inquiry had damaged its repute.

He said the authorities had taken steps in haste and sealed the factory besides harassing its owner which was a condemnable act.

Mr Saleem said the neighboring country (India) had been raising such incidents at international forums to defame Pakistan. The government should realize the situation and devise a mechanism of investigation keeping in view the interests of the pharmaceutical industries too.

“The firm has been manufacturing the syrup since 1978 and enjoys good repute in the industry for manufacturing quality medicines”, he said.

The PPMA chairman has asked the government to withdraw all actions against the firm and its owner till the completion of inquiries.