Govt eyes $30b pharma exports in five years

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Syed Mustafa Kamal, on Wednesday pledged full government support to the pharmaceutical industry while setting an ambitious target of $30 billion in exports over the next five years.

Speaking at the 8th Pakistan Pharma Summit and the 4th Pharma Export Summit & Awards (PESA 2025), Kamal called the industry a potential game changer for the economy. "Although this is a challenging target, it is achievable with commitment and hard work. Let's move forward and work round the clock to meet this target," he said according to an official statement. He noted that if other countries can generate $300 billion through pharma exports, Pakistan can confidently aim for $30 billion.

Kamal acknowledged the sector's recent 35% export growth but said the current $475 million figure was not enough. "It's a step forward, but not something to be satisfied with. We must think bigger," he remarked.

The minister said the government was removing bureaucratic hurdles, speeding up approvals through digitisation, and opening doors for exporters. He announced plans to transform Basic Health Units (BHUs) through telemedicine, starting with pilot projects in Karachi and Islamabad to ease pressure on tertiary hospitals.

Kamal stressed the need for local vaccine production, noting that 95% are still imported. "There is a dire and urgent need to develop indigenous capabilities. The pharmaceutical industry must step up to this challenge," he said.

Industry leaders welcomed the minister's commitment but highlighted ongoing challenges. Chairman of the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA), Tauqeerul Haq, said pharma exports had reached nearly $500 million per year and could rise sharply, especially to Afghanistan. However, he cautioned that 90% of raw materials were still imported.

He praised the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) for easing export registrations, now granted within a week, calling it a major reform. He urged the government to approve a dedicated trade body, PharmEx, to address industry concerns and boost exports.

Former PPMA Chairman, Dr Sheikh Kaiser Waheed, said the sector had seen rapid growth and had the potential to meet the $30 billion export target. But he stressed the need for full government support, technology transfer, regulatory reforms, and adoption of AI-based equipment. He said Pakistan already produces 90% of its domestic medicines but must now compete globally on innovation and quality rather than price.

DRAP CEO Dr Obaidullah lauded the industry's growth and said the regulator was taking steps to align Pakistan's pharma industry with international standards and audits. He emphasised digitisation and pledged DRAP's cooperation to help the industry expand globally.

International experts also shared insights. Jim Harris, an AI and innovation specialist, presented on artificial intelligence in drug discovery and manufacturing. Dr Zakieh Al-Kurdi (USP, EMEA) spoke on regulatory policy, Prof Khalid Ahmad Sheikh (UCL, UK) highlighted building a culture of quality, while Geoff Tsen (USP, Greater China) addressed resilience and standards.

The summit stressed compliance with global benchmarks such as WHO, PIC/S, and MHRA certifications, calling them vital for entry into advanced markets. The event concluded with PESA 2025 Awards, honouring companies and individuals driving pharma exports.