Pakistan Pharma Industry Warns Against Reversing Medicine Deregulation Policy
Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry has urged the government to continue the deregulation policy for non-essential medicines, warning that reversing the decision could create medicine shortages, reduce investment and negatively impact exports.
In a statement, the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) said the deregulation policy introduced in 2024 helped improve the availability of medicines in the local market while supporting growth in the country’s pharmaceutical sector.
According to industry figures, Pakistan’s pharmaceutical exports increased by nearly 34 percent after the policy was introduced, rising from approximately $336 million to around $450 million in 2025.
Industry Claims Policy Improved Investment and Production
Pharmaceutical manufacturers say the policy encouraged companies to invest in modern production facilities that meet international standards, including certifications linked to the World Health Organization (WHO), PIC/S and European Union Good Manufacturing Practices.
Industry representatives believe these improvements have helped Pakistani pharmaceutical companies expand into international markets such as Europe, the United States, Canada and Australia.
Manufacturers also claim the deregulation framework contributed to:
- Better medicine availability in Pakistan
- Improved product quality standards
- Increased investment in manufacturing
- Reduction in counterfeit medicines in the market
Concerns Over Possible Policy Reversal
The PPMA warned that reversing the policy could create fresh challenges for both manufacturers and consumers. Industry officials said Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector faced difficulties for many years under strict medicine price controls, which limited investment opportunities and affected business sustainability.
According to industry representatives, several multinational pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, Novartis, Sanofi, Bayer and Johnson & Johnson, reduced operations or exited Pakistan over the past decade due to pricing and regulatory concerns.
The association has called on policymakers to maintain the current deregulation framework, saying it is important for improving competitiveness, attracting investment and supporting long-term growth in Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry.
