Islamabad: Pakistan’s pharmaceutical exports hit a record $457 million in the last fiscal year, up 34%, the highest growth in two decades, Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Wednesday.
He is talking to participants of the 8th Pharmaceutical Summit, organized by the Pakistan Pharmaceuticals Association (PPMA). The event brings together leading drug exporters, industry leaders, policy makers and international experts.
Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani noted that early adoption of artificial intelligence, digital health platforms and advanced manufacturing technologies, as well as efforts to support agencies such as reducing active drug fixation factors (APIs) and Pharmex Parmex Pakistan.
“The way forward is a progressive approach that connects innovation, collaboration and sustainability,” he stressed. He added that with resilience and determination, Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry could claim a larger share of the trillion-dollar global pharmaceutical market.
The Senate Chairman said at the ceremony that this is a question of national pride, stressing that Pakistan is now meeting the vast majority of its drug needs through local production.
Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said at the event that the government must take effective steps to increase exports.
“We must achieve our collective development goals over the next five years and take effective steps to promote exports,” the minister said.
He added that Pakistan’s drug regulator (DARAP) and the Ministry of Health are working together to perform their duties.
Furthermore, he said Pakistan faces many serious health challenges, adding that the burden on the hospitals is too high, which increases the pressure on the system.
“Given the increase in population, small hospitals and pharmacies are needed. We have to build a health system to minimize the number of patients,” Kamal said.
At that time, Haroon Akhan, the Prime Minister (SAPM) special assistant to industry and production, said that the pharmaceutical exporter is Pakistan’s ambassador to promote the country’s name globally.
Haroon Akhtar stressed that industrial policy and regulatory reforms are the basis for the future of Pakistan’s economy.
He stressed that the pharmaceutical industry played a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of 250 million people in Pakistan.
Haroon Akhan Khan reiterated the government’s support, saying: “The government is firmly standing with the pharmaceutical industry. Our policies are designed to strengthen the industry while providing people with available and high-quality medicines.”
In the Pharmaceutical Export Awards, the top 50 drug exporters are respected for their contributions.
Posted at Dawn on September 25, 2025
