Islamabad: Pakistan’s drug regulator has announced to make online approval of advertisements for therapeutic goods mandatory from May 1, 2026, even as it simultaneously stepped up action against websites and social media platforms involved in the illegal sale of unregistered medicines, officials said on Monday.
In an official notification issued on April 21, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) announced the implementation of a dedicated online system for submission and processing of applications related to advertisements of therapeutic goods.
The regulator said the move is part of its broader push for transparency, digitalisation and improved regulatory oversight.
The notification states that from May 1 onwards, all applications for advertisement approvals will have to be submitted through the online portal, and hardcopy submissions will no longer be entertained.
Industry stakeholders, including pharmaceutical manufacturers, chemists, nutraceutical companies and medical device associations, have been directed to ensure compliance and disseminate the information among their members.
Officials said an online training session had already been conducted on April 14 to familiarise stakeholders with the new system and facilitate a smooth transition. The digital platform is expected to streamline approvals, reduce processing time and create an auditable record of all promotional material related to medicines and healthcare products.
The move comes amid growing concern within the health ministry and DRAP over the unchecked promotion and sale of medicines through digital platforms, often without regulatory approval.
Documents show that just a day earlier, DRAP formally wrote to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), seeking action against multiple websites and social media platforms allegedly involved in selling unregistered therapeutic goods.
In one such communication, DRAP requested the blocking of a website accused of selling unregistered medicines following a public complaint received through its official portal. The regulator noted that such activities violate provisions of the DRAP Act, 2012, and the Drugs Act, 1976, and pose a serious risk to public health.
In another letter, the authority identified additional platforms, including websites and associated social media accounts, allegedly involved in the online sale of unregistered products, and asked PTA to restrict access to them.
The complaint, according to the document, was also triggered by information received via WhatsApp, highlighting how such networks are using multiple digital channels to reach consumers.
A separate request sought action against another website accused of marketing unapproved therapeutic goods, again based on public complaints and supporting evidence, including screenshots of online listings .
Officials said these actions reflect a broader regulatory shift, where DRAP is attempting to both tighten oversight of legitimate pharmaceutical advertising through digitisation while simultaneously curbing illegal online sales that bypass regulatory scrutiny.
“This is a two pronged approach. On one hand, we are making the approval process more transparent and efficient through digital systems, and on the other, we are cracking down on illegal actors exploiting online platforms,” a senior health ministry official said.
The developments also come against the backdrop of government efforts to ensure uninterrupted availability of medicines across the country amid evolving global and regional challenges.
Federal Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal also chaired a high level meeting on Monday to review medicine availability and supply chain resilience.
Officials briefed the minister on current stock levels and supply chain preparedness, while also reviewing the availability of helium gas, a critical component used in MRI machines, amid global supply pressures.
The minister said that despite international challenges, the government in coordination with DRAP and the pharmaceutical industry has ensured sufficient stocks of essential medicines for the next five to six months. He reassured the public that there would be no disruption in access to medicines and that authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
“There is no shortage of medicines and we are taking proactive measures to maintain a resilient supply chain,” he said, directing all stakeholders to enhance coordination and preparedness.
With the May 1 deadline approaching, pharmaceutical companies will now have to fully transition to the new online system for advertisement approvals, while regulators intensify efforts to ensure that only approved and safe therapeutic products are promoted and sold in the country.
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