Haleon Pakistan has announced a fresh investment of $12 million to expand its manufacturing capacity, focusing on scaling up Panadol production. The move aims to meet growing domestic demand and ensure consistent availability of the widely used pain relief medicine.
Speaking at Haleon's head office, CEO and General Manager Qawi Naseer said the company's 2022 demerger from GSK enabled it to focus exclusively on consumer healthcare. This shift has given the company greater autonomy to invest locally, innovate brands, and support community initiatives.
Over the past three years, Haleon has made significant progress, including local production of Centrum, now available in both domestic and export markets. Naseer said the new $12 million investment is part of a broader plan to enhance production capabilities, subject to regulatory approvals.
"Pakistan offers immense investment potential, but what's needed is policy consistency. Long-term economic frameworks of 5 to 10 years, advocated by bodies like The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce & Industry (OICCI) and The Pakistan Business Council (PBC), are crucial for boosting investor confidence," he said. He also praised the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) for its pro-industry policies and regulatory support.
The announcement comes as Pakistan's pharmaceutical sector shows signs of renewed strength, driven by macroeconomic stability and recent regulatory reforms. Analyst Muryum Palekar of Optimus Capital Management said deregulation of non-essential medicines, comprising 58% of the sector, has given long sought after firms pricing flexibility, improving margins despite modest volume growth.
Palekar noted that population growth, urbanisation, and rising health awareness are structural trends supporting long-term growth. She named AGP, Abbot (ABOT), and GSK (GLAXO) as top investment picks, with the sector trading at a discount despite improving fundamentals.
Historically tied to currency fluctuations, the sector is now benefiting from a more stable exchange rate and normalised raw material prices. In 2024, the pharma sector on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) delivered a 228% return, driven by deregulation and improved macro conditions.
With local manufacturing expanding and market conditions improving, Haleon's new investment signals growing confidence in Pakistan's pharmaceutical and healthcare ecosystem.
On International Self?Care Day, Naseer discussed the company's ongoing investment strategy, self-care philosophy, and commitment to Pakistan. He confirmed that Haleon's new factory in Jamshoro is under construction and invited stakeholders to visit once the project is completed to experience it "in its prime". The site will increase Panadol production from 6 billion to 8 billion tablets annually. Future investments depend on DRAP's approvals.
"Our global team has full confidence in Pakistan's potential," Naseer said. He added that the facility meets top international standards, including automated, touch?free packaging to ensure product purity.
Naseer highlighted Pakistan's position as the fifth most populous country, with rising healthcare demand. He credited investor optimism to the passion and talent of Pakistani professionals, whom he compared favourably to global counterparts.
Despite challenges such as energy, water, and logistics constraints, Haleon has taken proactive steps to mitigate risks. The Jamshoro facility is now 98% solar-powered, and an on-site RO water filtration system ensures a steady supply.
He concluded by stressing the need for stable economic policies and consistent regulatory frameworks, which are critical to attracting foreign investment and sustaining long-term growth.
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