ISLAMABAD – Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal set a bold target of $30 billion in pharmaceutical exports over the next five years while speaking at the 8th Pakistan Pharma Summit and 4th Pharma Export Summit & Awards (PESA 2025) on Wednesday. Highlighting a 35% growth in pharma exports, Kamal emphasized the industry’s potential to transform Pakistan’s economy. He assured government support through regulatory reforms, digitization, and removal of bureaucratic hurdles. He also announced plans to modernize Basic Health Units via telemedicine, and urged the local industry to focus on vaccine production and reducing import dependence, with 95% of vaccines currently being imported. PPMA Chairman Tauqeer ul Haq echoed optimism, citing the industry’s $500 million export milestone, and called for the creation of an independent PharmEx trade body. He stressed the need to localize raw materials, currently 90% imported. DRAP CEO Dr Obaidullah affirmed commitment to regulatory modernization and faster export approvals. International experts also emphasized AI in pharma, quality standards, and global compliance. PESA 2025 Awards recognized leading exporters contributing to the sector’s growth.
Pakistan has potential to secure a prominent place in global healthcare market
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan attended the 8th Pakistan Pharma Summit as the chief guest and addressed participants of both the Summit and the Pharma Export Awards Ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan highlighted that industrial policy and regulatory reforms form the foundation of Pakistan’s economic future. He emphasized that the pharmaceutical industry plays a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of Pakistan’s 250 million people. At the Pharma Export Awards, the top 50 pharmaceutical exporters were honored for their contributions. “The pharmaceutical exporters are Pakistan’s ambassadors, promoting the country’s name across the globe,” he noted. According to available figures, Pakistan’s pharmaceutical exports have reached USD 457 million — the highest achievement in two decades — marking a record 34% growth in the sector. Reaffirming the government’s support, Haroon Akhtar Khan said: “The government stands firmly with the pharmaceutical industry. Our policies are aimed at strengthening the sector while ensuring the availability of affordable and quality medicines for the people.” He further stated that the participation of international experts in the Summit will strengthen partnerships for Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry and stressed the need for adopting global best practices and standards to enhance competitiveness. “Pakistan has the potential to secure a prominent place in the global healthcare market,” SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan remarked, congratulating winners of the Export Awards and appreciating their role in projecting a positive image of Pakistan worldwide.
