The 7th Pakistan Pharma Summit, hosted at Islamabad’s Serena Hotel, attracted key industry leaders, government officials, and international experts to discuss the future of Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector.
Mian Khalid Misbah ur Rehman, Chairman of the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA), kicked off the event by highlighting Pakistan’s potential in the global pharmaceutical market. With the country’s exports currently sitting at $300 million, Rehman emphasized a bold target—boosting exports to $3 billion in the next five years. He credited the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) for its price deregulation efforts, which contributed to a 24% growth in the industry.
Rehman urged the government to accelerate amendments to the Drug Act of 1977, emphasizing that these reforms are critical for the sector’s growth. He acknowledged that while price deregulation has increased drug costs, it has also resolved shortages and ensured greater availability of essential medicines.
Global Innovation and Leadership Insights Dr. Mehmood Khan, CEO of Hevolution Foundation in Saudi Arabia, delivered a keynote speech on the importance of global innovation and collaboration. He stressed how leveraging these factors can unlock Pakistan’s potential in life sciences. His message was clear—Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry must adopt cutting-edge solutions to compete globally.
Former PPMA Chairman, Dr. Qaiser Waheed, focused on the importance of digital transformation to maintain competitiveness against regional players like India and Bangladesh. He called for the oversight of controlled substances to be managed by health officials rather than narcotics officers, stressing the need for specialized regulatory frameworks.
Government Commitment and Policy Support Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Health, reiterated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s dedication to transforming the pharmaceutical industry into a global player. Bharath emphasized that government policies would focus on facilitating the growth of the sector, with efforts being made to address the complexities of the Drug Act post the 18th Amendment.
Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, announced the reactivation of 16 sectoral councils aimed at creating comprehensive plans for industrial growth and trade promotion. These plans will be presented to the Export Development Board for quick implementation, showcasing the government’s commitment to the pharmaceutical sector.
Focus on Digital Transformation and AI Asim Rauf, CEO of DRAP, highlighted the regulatory body’s mission to achieve WHO Level-3 certification, enhancing Pakistan’s standing in international markets. He mentioned that DRAP’s ongoing international audit preparations signify a move towards improved industry standards.
Dr. Dennis Hall, Vice President of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies at US Pharmacopeia, discussed how digital transformation could revolutionize pharmaceutical manufacturing. He highlighted the importance of investment in technology to improve efficiency and product quality.
AI expert Dr. Semih Kumluk shared insights on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the industry, especially in drug discovery and clinical trials. He pointed out that AI could lead to more personalized treatment solutions and better data management in healthcare.
Summit Conclusion and Awards The summit concluded with the Pharma Export Summit Awards (PESA 2024), where Yusuf Raza Gilani, Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, praised the sector’s achievements. He highlighted Pakistan’s growing potential in high-value markets such as the U.S. and Europe, predicting a bright future for the country’s pharmaceutical industry.
The event was organized by M. Haroon Qassim, Chairman of the Summit Organizing Committee, and Dr. Qaiser Waheed, Conference Chairman, both of whom were lauded for their efforts.
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