Islamabad: Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal on Wednesday urged Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry to set an ambitious target of $30 billion in exports within the next five years, calling on company owners to “work day and night, adopt reverse engineering, and show the world Pakistan’s strength” as he addressed the 8th Pakistan Pharma Summit at a local hotel in Islamabad.
The event, which drew a full house of pharmaceutical company owners, CEOs, regulators, and global experts, marked one of the largest industry gatherings in recent years.
“Three billion dollars in exports is nothing. We must think big, be aggressive, and work together. I am your representative in the cabinet, pleading your case every day,” Kamal said to applause from industry leaders.
Acknowledging that drug price increases are rarely welcomed by governments, the minister said the reality of rising costs must be recognized. He also criticized the country’s healthcare system, calling it one of “sick care” where hospitals are flooded with patients.
“We need to focus on prevention. Telemedicine will replace primary care and medicines will be delivered at people’s doorsteps,” he said.
He stressed that Pakistan must stop depending on imported vaccines. “Vaccine self-sufficiency is a matter of national health security. We cannot afford to keep importing vaccines, especially from neighbors. Local production of vaccines and biological products is now a must,” he said, urging the industry to collaborate with international partners for technology transfer.
Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani also addressed the summit, terming the annual theme of “Health, Climate Change and Resilience” both timely and important. He said Pakistan was moving towards self-sufficiency in health and praised the pharma sector for its achievements in boosting exports and ensuring local availability of medicines.
“Pharma exporters and companies are a source of pride for the nation. Pakistani companies are now being recognized for quality and reliability in international markets,” Gilani said. He noted that pharma exports touched $457 million in FY25 with a record 34 percent increase, while most of the country’s domestic demand for medicines is now met through local production.
PPMA Chairman Tauqeer-ul-Haq praised the government’s deregulation policy, saying 90 percent of medicines are now produced locally, improving access and reducing smuggling and counterfeiting.
He noted that exports have crossed $475 million, with eight companies already PIC/S certified and 15 more in line for global certifications. He urged the government to fix the prices of 35 new essential medicines and allow combination drug manufacturing for exports, while announcing efforts to produce raw materials locally, including cancer and biological medicines.
Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) Coordinator Jahanzaib Khan called pharma a knowledge-based industry capable of transforming Pakistan’s economy. “Deregulation has boosted performance, but affordability of medicines must be protected. Research, innovation, and self-reliance are essential for sustained growth,” he said, assuring company owners that the sector would not face harassment.
Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) CEO Dr. Obaidullah reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to ease of doing business while stressing compliance. He announced that DRAP is working towards WHO Level 3 accreditation, developing a national system for adverse drug reaction reporting, and pushing forward track-and-trace implementation through 2D barcodes to counter counterfeiting.
International speakers including Jim Harris spoke on Artificial Intelligence in pharmaceuticals, Prof. Khalid Ahmad Sheikh emphasized building a culture of quality, while Dr. Zakieh Al-Kurdi underlined advancing access to safe and effective medicines.
Haroon Qasim, Co-Chairman of the summit and Managing Director of PharmEvo, said PPMA member companies are committed to providing quality medicines to the masses and are now adopting AI, technology, and digitalization to further improve standards.
He added that PESA serves as a platform to recognize the services and contributions of pharmaceutical companies in boosting exports and supporting the national economy.
The summit concluded with the Pharma Export Summit and Awards (PESA 2025), where top exporting companies including PharmEvo, Indus Pharma, and several PPMA leaders’ firms were recognized.
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