Pakistan has set an ambitious goal of reaching $30 billion in pharmaceutical exports within five years, with Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal assuring full government support at the 8th Pakistan Pharma Summit and 4th Pharma Export Summit & Awards (PESA 2025) in Islamabad.
The announcement comes as Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry continues its rapid growth, recording a 35% surge in exports last year to nearly $500 million, according to the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA). The sector, which already produces over 90% of the country’s medicines locally, is now seeking to expand into new international markets such as Afghanistan while adopting digitization, technology transfer, and regulatory reforms.
Minister Kamal emphasized that while the $30 billion goal is challenging, it is achievable with determination and reform-driven growth. He highlighted that several countries generate over $300 billion annually from pharma exports, urging Pakistan to aim higher.
To accelerate progress, the government is cutting red tape, speeding up regulatory approvals, and introducing digitization. “What used to take months or years to approve is now being cleared within weeks,” Kamal said. He also announced the upgrade of Basic Health Units in Karachi and Islamabad with telemedicine facilities to expand healthcare access and medicine delivery.
On the vaccine front, Kamal noted that Pakistan still imports 95% of vaccines, calling for urgent steps toward indigenous production. He urged the industry to strengthen local manufacturing capacity to reduce dependence on imports.
Industry leaders echoed his vision for self-reliance. PPMA Chairman Tauqeer ul Haq stated that exports to Afghanistan alone could reach $500 million annually but stressed the challenge of importing 90% of raw materials. He called for establishing an independent trade body, PharmEx, to address industry hurdles and boost exports.
Former PPMA chairman Dr. Sheikh Kaiser Waheed added that the $30 billion target is realistic if supported by consistent government reforms. He emphasized that Pakistan must compete globally on innovation, quality, and trust rather than relying solely on price advantage.
With reforms, digitization, and industry-government collaboration, Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector is positioning itself as a global player with the potential to transform into a multi-billion-dollar export powerhouse.
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