Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry has come a long way. With annual sales estimated at around $3 billion and hundreds of manufacturing licences, the sector has become an important pillar of the country’s healthcare system, industrial base and export potential. Yet, when measured against the world’s most demanding pharmaceutical markets, Pakistan still has a considerable distance to travel. The real question is no longer whether Pakistan can manufacture medicines. It clearly can. The question is whether Pakistani manufacturers can consistently demonstrate quality at a level that commands confidence in the most tightly regulated global markets.

Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector operates under the regulatory framework of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), established under the Drugs Act, 1976 and subsequent legislation. Historically, pharmaceutical regulation has also involved provincial authorities, creating a complex regulatory environment for manufacturers. The country has hundreds of licensed pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities producing tablets, capsules,

syrups, injectables and other dosage forms. The sector supplies the overwhelming majority of commonly used medicines in the domestic market while also exporting pharmaceutical products to numerous countries. However, scale alone does not equal global competitiveness.

The international pharmaceutical market increasingly rewards manufacturers that can demonstrate robust quality management systems, data integrity, validated processes, sophisticated laboratories and consistent compliance with internationally recognised Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). This is where Pakistan's biggest opportunity—and biggest challenge—lies.

There are already examples proving that Pakistani pharmaceutical companies can achieve international standards. Getz Pharma is perhaps the most prominent example. Its manufacturing facility is prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva, and is approved by PIC/S member countries and the Eurasian Economic Union. Getz has also built a significant export footprint, with the company reporting operations in more than 45 countries and internationally accredited manufacturing facilities.

This achievement is........

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