Pakistan’s Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination, Syed Mustafa Kamal, declared on Thursday that the country plans to boost exports of pharmaceuticals and medicines to $30 billion over the coming years.
Addressing the 22nd Health Asia-2025 exhibition at the Expo Center in Karachi, he stated that the goal is to raise Pakistan’s exports of pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical equipment, and medicines from the current $1 billion to $30 billion. The three-day Health Asia-2025 exhibition is being held at the Expo Center Karachi, with participants, delegates, and companies from more than 50 countries.
Kamal stated that Pakistan is on track to soon secure WHO Level-3 accreditation, which will enable the country to export pharmaceutical products to 65 nations. He added that the combined federal and provincial governments currently allocate a total of Rs 1,156 billion annually for the country’s health sector, covering all four provinces, Islamabad, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The minister affirmed that all necessary measures are already underway, and industries are being provided with the required support. He added that the Government of Pakistan, through the Federal Ministry, is set to initiate local production and manufacturing. He further mentioned that discussions are ongoing with manufacturers as well as with Chinese, Saudi Arabian, and Turkish companies and their respective governments.
The minister also highlighted reforms aimed at reducing bureaucratic obstacles, such as faster approvals, digitization, and regulatory updates. He noted that the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, which oversees medicines and medical equipment, has computerized its processes. Approvals that previously took up to three years are now being granted within just 20 days.
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