Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, chaired a high-level meeting of the Prime Minister’s Committee on Incentivizing Local Manufacturing of Vaccines at the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination.
The meeting discussed in detail the local manufacturing of vaccines, formulation of a National Vaccine Policy, existing hurdles, and the way forward.
Haroon Akhtar Khan stated that, as per the directions of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, all-out efforts are being made to promote indigenous vaccine production in Pakistan. He informed that a high-level committee has already been constituted under the Prime Minister’s instructions to facilitate local manufacturing of vaccines.
He emphasized that local vaccine production is essential for Pakistan’s national health security and economic resilience. “The government is developing a comprehensive policy to promote local manufacturing of vaccines, which will not only reduce the import bill but also strengthen the national economy,” he said.
Haroon Akhtar Khan further stated that the National Vaccine Policy will soon be finalized. “Local production of vaccines will ensure health security and economic self-reliance for Pakistan,” he added.
Highlighting the broader impact, the SAPM said that the development of the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors will create new employment opportunities in the country. “Local vaccine production will enhance our preparedness to effectively respond to future pandemics and emergencies,” he noted.
He also mentioned that the government is in active contact with international organizations for technology transfer and investment partnerships. The establishment of a Pakistan Vaccine Manufacturers Alliance will strengthen institutional coordination, while steps are being taken to enhance the capacity of the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).
