Pakistan has set its sights on generating $30 billion in pharmaceutical exports within the next five years, a target described by Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal as “ambitious but achievable” if backed by commitment and industry-government collaboration.
Addressing the 8th Pakistan Pharma Summit and the 4th Pharma Export Summit & Awards (PESA 2025) on Wednesday, Kamal argued the sector could transform Pakistan’s economy, noting that pharma exports surged 35 percent last year to reach $475 million. “If other nations can generate $300 billion through pharmaceutical exports, Pakistan must aim for $30 billion confidently,” he said.
The minister outlined reforms to ease bureaucratic hurdles, including faster approvals, digitization, and regulatory changes, while also announcing telemedicine upgrades at Basic Health Units in Karachi and Islamabad to strengthen healthcare access. He urged companies to build self-reliance by producing essential medicines and vaccines locally, stressing that 95 percent of vaccines are still imported.
Industry leaders echoed the call for bold reforms. Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) Chairman Tauqeer ul Haq revealed exports have crossed $500 million annually, with Afghanistan emerging as a key market. Yet, he warned that 90 percent of raw materials are imported, posing risks to sustainable growth. He praised the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) under CEO Dr. Obaidullah for accelerating export registrations and pressed the government to establish an independent trade body, PharmEx, dedicated to promoting exports.
Former PPMA Chairman Dr. Sheikh Kaiser Waheed stressed that hitting the $30 billion mark will require government support in technology transfer, AI adoption, and regulatory overhaul, while DRAP’s Obaidullah reaffirmed efforts to align Pakistan with WHO, PIC/S, and MHRA standards.
Global experts, including Jim Harris (AI & innovation), Dr. Zakieh Al-Kurdi (USP, EMEA), Prof. Khalid Ahmad Sheikh (UCL, UK), and Dr. Geoff Tsen (USP, Greater China), shared insights on AI-driven drug discovery, resilience, and quality culture.
The summit concluded with the PESA 2025 Awards, recognizing pharmaceutical firms and professionals for contributions to boosting Pakistan’s exports.
