Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector is making waves globally, with exports hitting a two-decade high of $457 million in FY25—a 34% year-on-year growth. This surge places pharma among the top five fastest-growing export categories in the country.
Deregulation Fuels Growth
The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) endorsed a deregulation policy in February 2024, allowing market-based pricing for non-essential medicines. This move:
- Attracted foreign investment
- Boosted R&D and compliance with international standards (FDA, WHO, MHRA)
- Reduced counterfeit drugs and improved pricing transparency3
Global Recognition & Investment
Multinational giant Haleon announced a $12 million investment to expand Panadol production in Pakistan, citing rising demand and improved regulatory conditions. The sector’s transformation is drawing attention from global healthcare markets.
Export Expansion & Market Reach
Pakistan now exports to:
- Afghanistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Iraq, Kenya, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand
- Therapeutic goods exports reached $909 million, nearing the $1 billion milestone
Innovation in Generics
With India and China shifting focus to R&D, Pakistan is poised to capture a larger share of the $600 billion global generics market. Local firms are investing in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and vaccine production, reducing import dependency.
Industry Voices
PPMA Chairman Tauqeer Ul Haq praised the pricing reforms, noting they enabled firms to expand production and stabilize medicine costs2. RCCI President Usman Shaukat emphasized Pakistan’s strength in affordable, high-quality generics.
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