Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Syed Mustafa Kamal on Wednesday set an ambitious target of achieving $30 billion in pharmaceutical exports within the next five years, reaffirming the government’s full support for the industry. He was addressing the 8th Pakistan Pharma Summit and the 4th Pharma Export Summit and Awards (PESA 2025) today in Islamabad.
The health minister acknowledged that the target is challenging but achievable with determination and effort. He noted that while Pakistan’s current exports stand at $475 million, countries around the world are reaching $300 billion in pharma exports. “This is only a beginning, but we must think big,” he said.
Kamal highlighted that the government is actively removing bureaucratic hurdles, with approvals that previously took months or years now being cleared in weeks. He added that Basic Health Units are being upgraded through telemedicine, with pilot projects launched in Karachi and Islamabad to expand access to healthcare and reduce pressure on major hospitals.
He underlined the urgent need to focus on local production of vaccines and essential medicines, pointing out that 95 percent of vaccines are currently imported, mostly from neighboring countries. “The pharma industry must prioritize indigenous production so Pakistan can move towards self-sufficiency,” he said.
Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) Chairman Toqeer ul Haq noted that pharma exports grew by 35 percent last year, reaching nearly $500 million annually. He said Afghanistan alone represents a $500 million export market, but dependence on 90 percent imported raw material remains the biggest challenge. He praised the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) for expediting export registrations, now issued within a week, and called for the establishment of an independent trade body, PharmEx, for the industry.
Former PPMA Chairman Dr. Sheikh Qaiser Waheed said the $30 billion target was achievable but required technology transfer, regulatory reforms and adoption of AI-based equipment.
DRAP CEO Dr. Obaidullah noted that global quality and audit requirements are rapidly changing and that DRAP is aligning the pharmaceutical sector with international standards.
The summit also featured discussions on regulatory policy, the role of artificial intelligence in drug discovery, building a culture of quality, and the importance of international certifications such as WHO, PIC/S, and MHRA.
At the PESA 2025 awards, companies and individuals who made significant contributions to Pakistan’s pharmaceutical exports were recognized for their achievements.
