5 Major Pharma Companies Have Ceased Operations in Pakistan
Over the past three years, five major multinational pharmaceutical companies have either shut down or transferred their manufacturing operations in Pakistan. This information was shared in the National Assembly.
Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal confirmed that Bayer, ICI Pakistan, Sanofi-Aventis, Pfizer, and Novartis have divested their local production units, handing them over to domestic companies.
He added that manufacturing at these facilities is continuing under new ownership to ensure there is no disruption in the supply of essential medicines.
According to the minister, these exits are part of a broader “strategic shift” by the companies rather than a complete closure of production lines. The transferred units include:
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Bayer’s Lahore facility
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ICI Pakistan’s multi-city operations
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Sanofi’s Korangi industrial plant
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Pfizer’s manufacturing site in S.I.T.E Karachi
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Novartis’ West Wharf unit
No specific reasons for the exits were shared during the assembly briefing.
