Islamabad, May 26, 2025: In a powerful call to action at a national healthcare workshop, leading Pakistani healthcare experts and government officials stressed the urgent need for a united effort between drug regulators, the pharmaceutical industry, and academic institutions.
With 90% of the country’s medicines being produced locally and the pharma sector playing a vital role in national exports, the workshop spotlighted the potential of collaborative innovation to uplift Pakistan’s healthcare standards.
Held at the University of Karachi’s prestigious International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), the one-day workshop titled “The Role of Regulators, Pharma Industry, and Academia in Promoting Quality Healthcare Products” brought together top figures from across the health sector.
The event was jointly hosted by the Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD) and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).
Health Secretary Rehan Iqbal Baloch underscored the critical need to boost local manufacturing of essential medicines. He assured full support from the Sindh Government to strengthen collaboration between academia and the pharma sector, aiming to ensure accessible and affordable medicines for all. Commending the ICCBS’s cutting-edge facilities, he emphasized their importance in achieving this national goal.
Tauqeer Ul Haq, Chairman of the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA), pointed out that Pakistan has over 700 pharmaceutical manufacturing units, producing nearly 90% of the total drug demand and controlling 70% of the domestic market share.
He highlighted that pharmaceutical exports contribute over 52% to the nation’s total exports, showcasing the sector’s strength and global potential.
Echoing the importance of integrated efforts, Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman, former Federal Minister for Science and Technology, called for a centralized platform to connect manufacturers, policymakers, exporters, and researchers.
He also praised the exceptional academic performance of Pakistani students, especially in global assessments like the Cambridge exams, as a promising sign for future innovation.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah, Director ICCBS and UNESCO Chair holder, emphasized that science and technology are pivotal to national advancement. He celebrated ICCBS as a globally recognized institution whose research output is benefiting not only Pakistan but the international community. According to him, such workshops serve as a strategic platform to enhance the quality, safety, and innovation in the country’s healthcare products.
Adding her voice to the discussion, Nadira Panjwani, Chairperson of the Dr. Panjwani Memorial Trust, called the availability of quality medicines a fundamental pillar of a robust healthcare system. She appreciated the efforts of Prof. Raza Shah for fostering meaningful collaboration across key sectors.
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Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of OIC-COMSTECH, highlighted the direct link between enhanced healthcare and rising life expectancy. He acknowledged the vision and contributions behind making ICCBS a center of international excellence.
The workshop concluded with Dr. Saif-ur-Rahman Khatak, Director of DRAP, extending a heartfelt vote of thanks, reinforcing the collective commitment to improving healthcare in Pakistan.
